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Why is Augmentin prescribed?

The combination of Augmentin, a penicillin-like antibiotic, and clavulanate potassium is used to treat bacterial infections of the ear, lungs, nose, sinus, skin, and urinary tract. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Augmentin is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Augmentin be used?

Augmentin and clavulanate potassium comes as a tablet, chewable tablet, and liquid to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 8 hours (three times a day) or every 12 hours (twice a day). Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Augmentin and clavulanate potassium exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

The chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before they are swallowed. The other tablets should be taken with a full glass of water.

Continue to take Augmentin and clavulanate potassium even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Augmentin and clavulanate potassium without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Augmentin and clavulanate potassium,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Augmentin and clavulanate potassium, penicillin, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics, allopurinol (Lopurin), anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), disulfiram, oral contraceptives, probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, allergies, asthma, blood disease, colitis, stomach problems, or hay fever.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Augmentin and clavulanate potassium, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Augmentin and clavulanate.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Augmentin cause?

Although side effects from Augmentin and clavulanate potassium are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• mild skin rash

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• severe skin rash
• itching
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• wheezing
• vaginal infection.

What storage conditions are needed for Augmentin?

Keep Augmentin in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Keep liquid medication in the refrigerator, tightly closed, and throw away any unused medication after 10 days. Do not freeze. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to Augmentin and clavulanate potassium. If you are diabetic, use Clinistix or TesTape (not Clinitest) to test your urine for sugar while taking this drug.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the Augmentin and clavulanate potassium, call your doctor.