Key takeaways
- What it is: Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium) is a powerful, broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections like sinus, ear, and lower respiratory issues.
- Dosage: A commonly prescribed dosage for Augmentin is 875 mg. However, the specific dosage you’re prescribed will depend on your age and the severity of the condition you’re taking Augmentin to treat.
- Side effects: The most common side effects of Augmentin include diarrhea, nausea, skin rash, and hives. Most side effects are manageable and may resolve on their own, but more serious reactions can become life threatening without treatment.
Augmentin is a brand-name prescription antibiotic that’s used to treat different types of bacterial infections, including bacterial pneumonia, urinary tract infections, sinus infections, and others.
What makes Augmentin unique is that it combines two different active drugs to fight off bacteria:
- Amoxicillin: Amoxicillin is a widely-used penicillin antibiotic that actively kills bacteria by preventing them from building their cell walls.
- Clavulanic acid (as clavulanate potassium): Some bacteria produce an enzyme called beta-lactamase, which destroys amoxicillin before it can do its job. Clavulanic acid blocks this enzyme, allowing amoxicillin to clear the infection.
Because of this two-ingredient combination, Augmentin is considered a “broad-spectrum” antibiotic. This means it is highly effective against a wider variety of bacteria than amoxicillin alone.
Augmentin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat several common bacterial infections in both adults and children. These include:
- lower respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia
- ear infections
- sinus infections
- skin infections, such as cellulitis or impetigo
- urinary tract infections (UTIs), typically when other standard UTI antibiotics cannot be used
A quick note on viruses: Like all antibiotics, Augmentin only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections like the common cold, the flu, or COVID-19.
Like any medication, Augmentin can cause side effects. Most side effects are mild, but it helps to know what to look out for.
Note: The information below doesn’t represent all side effects reported in Augmentin’s clinical trials.
Common, mild side effects
The most frequently reported side effects are often related to the digestive system and usually go away on their own. They include:
- diarrhea or loose stools
- nausea and vomiting
- vaginitis
- mild skin rash
- vaginal yeast infections (antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of yeast and bacteria in the body)
Experiencing side effects? After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews its side effects. If you develop a side effect while taking this medication and want to report it to the FDA, you can visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.
Serious side effects
While uncommon, serious side effects require immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor or seek emergency care right away if you experience the following.
| Description and symptoms | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergic reactions | Symptoms of an allergic reaction include severe hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you have a known penicillin allergy, Augmentin is not safe for you to take. |
| Liver problems | In rare cases, Augmentin can cause liver inflammation. Watch for yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), severe fatigue, or upper right abdominal pain. This is more common in older adults or with prolonged use. |
| Intestinal infection (C. diff) | Antibiotics can alter the healthy bacteria in your gut, sometimes allowing a harmful bacterium called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) to overgrow. Let your doctor know if you develop severe, watery diarrhea that does not go away, stomach cramping, or bloody stools. |
| Severe skin reactions | These reactions include Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). Watch for a spreading, discolored rash, blisters, skin peeling, accompanied by a fever or flu-like symptoms. |
| Drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome (DIES) | More common in children, this is an allergic reaction in the digestive system, causing prolonged vomiting, severe diarrhea, and lethargy. It usually occurs within 1 to 4 hours of taking the dose. |
Augmentin is available in two main forms:
- oral tablets
- oral liquid suspension (a liquid mixture commonly prescribed for children or adults who have difficulty swallowing pills)
Note: You may come across older information mentioning Augmentin chewable tablets. Please note that the chewable tablet form has been discontinued and is no longer available.
Common dosages
The exact dosage, strength, and length of treatment your doctor prescribes will depend on your age, body weight, kidney function, and the severity of your infection.
- For adults: A standard dose for severe infections, or respiratory tract infections, is often one 875 milligram (mg) tablet every 12 hours, typically for 5 to 14 days depending on the condition.
- For children: Doctors usually prescribe the liquid suspension based on the child’s body weight. Some forms and strengths, such as Augmentin ES-600, are only approved for specific conditions and age groups.
How to take it safely
- Take it with food: Always try to take Augmentin at the start of a meal or with a snack. This helps your body absorb the medication better and significantly reduces the chance of an upset stomach.
- Stick to the schedule: Space your doses evenly throughout the day (usually every 12 hours or every 8 hours, depending on your prescription).
- Finish the bottle: Even if you start feeling completely better after a couple of days, it’s important that you do not stop taking the medication early. Stopping early can allow the hardiest bacteria to survive, leading to a returning infection that is much harder to treat.
- Missed a dose? Take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and stay on your regular schedule. Never double up on doses to catch up.
To make sure Augmentin is safe for you, always give your doctor a complete list of your health conditions, as well as any over-the-counter medications, supplements, or prescriptions you take.
Health conditions to discuss
- Liver or kidney disease: Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage or monitor your kidney or liver health during treatment. If you have previously had an antibiotic-induced liver problem, Augmentin may not be safe for you to take.
- Mononucleosis (“mono”): People with mono who take amoxicillin-based drugs have a very high risk of developing a severe skin rash.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Augmentin may be safe to use during pregnancy if there is a clear medical need, but it should be discussed with your doctor. The drug does pass into breast milk in small amounts, which could potentially cause mild diarrhea or thrush in a child who is breastfed. See this article about Augmentin and reproductive health for more details.
Drug interactions
Augmentin can interact with several other medications, which may change how well they work or increase your risk of side effects:
- Anticoagulants: Augmentin can increase the effects of blood thinners, such as warfarin. Taking a blood thinner with Augmentin may increase your risk of bleeding.
- Allopurinol (used for gout): Taking allopurinol alongside Augmentin increases the likelihood of developing a skin rash.
- Probenecid: Another gout medication, probenecid can cause amoxicillin to stay in your bloodstream longer.
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills): Antibiotics like Augmentin might alter your gut microbiome in a way that slightly reduces the effectiveness of birth control pills. It’s always a good idea to use a backup contraceptive method (like condoms) while taking antibiotics.
Comparing pharmacies: The price of Augmentin may vary depending on which pharmacy you use, so it can help to compare prices across pharmacies to find the lowest cost.
Drug coupons: You may be able to find drug coupons on prescription discount websites that can reduce the cost of your medication. These coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits, but the discounted price may be lower than what you would pay through insurance.
Financial assistance: Some websites provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services. Two such websites are:
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Augmentin is a highly effective, broad-spectrum antibiotic that uses a two-ingredient formula to clear bacterial infections that standard antibiotics might not handle.
For a safe and successful recovery, it’s important to finish your entire prescription exactly as directed, take each dose with a meal, and contact your doctor if you notice any severe or bothersome side effects.
Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.