AMOXICILLIN AND CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM

Generic Name AMOXICILLIN

AND
CLAVULANATE
POTASSIUM

Brand Name Augmentin,

Augmentin-ES600,
Augmentin XR,
Clavulin
Classification ANTIINFECTIVE; BETA-LACTAM ANTIBIOTIC;
AMINOPENICILLIN
General Action Used alone, clavulanic acid antibacterial activity is weak. In combination,
it inhibits enzyme (beta-lactamase) degradation of amoxicillin and by
synergism extends both spectrum of activity and bactericidal effect of
amoxicillin against many strains of beta-lactamase-producing bacteria
resistant to amoxicillin alone.
Dose and Route Mild to Moderate Infections
Adult: PO 250 or 500 mg tablet (each with 125 mg clavulanic acid) q8–
12h; Sustained-release tabs: 2 tablets (2000 mg amoxicillin/125 mg
clavulanate) q12h x 7–10 d
Child: PO <40 kg, 20–40 mg/kg/d (based on amoxicillin component)
divided q8–12h; >3 mo, 90 mg/kg/d of 600 ES divided q12h x 10 d
Neonate/Infant: PO <3 mo, 30 mg/kg/d (amoxicillin) divided q12h
Indications or Infections caused by susceptible beta-lactamase-producing organisms:
Purposes lower respiratory tract infections, acute bacterial sinusitis, community
acquired pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, skin and skin structure
infections, and UTI.
Side effects GI: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.

Skin: Rash, urticaria.

Other: Candidal vaginitis; moderate increases in serum ALT, AST;

 glomerulonephritis; agranulocytosis (rare).
Contraindications Combination shares toxic potential of ampicillin. Hypersensitivity to
penicillins; infectious mononucleosis.
Nursing Assessment & Drug Effects
Responsibilities
 Determine previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins,
cephalosporins, and other allergens prior to therapy.
 Lab tests: Baseline C&S tests prior to initiation of therapy; start
drug pending results.
 Monitor for S&S of an urticarial rash (usually occurring within a
few days after start of drug) suggestive of a hypersensitivity
reaction. If it occurs, look for other signs of hypersensitivity (fever,
wheezing, generalized itching, dyspnea), and report to physician
immediately.
 Note: Generalized, erythematous, maculopapular rash (ampicillin
rash) is not due to hypersensitivity. It is usually mild, but can be
severe. Report onset of rash to physician, since hypersensitivity
should be ruled out.

Patient & Family Education

 Female patients should report onset of symptoms of Candidal

vaginitis (e.g., moderate amount of white, cheesy, nonodorous
vaginal discharge; vaginal inflammation and itching; vulvar
excoriation, inflammation, burning, itching). Therapy may have to
be discontinued.
 Note: Use Clinistix or TesTape when monitoring urinary glucose to
avoid false readings with diabetes mellitus.
 Do not breast feed while taking this drug without consulting
physician.