Amox-Clav 250mg/5ml Susp 100ml
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To get the most out of your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided with your prescription and follow the instructions closely. Take your medication at the start of a meal to help it work effectively and reduce the risk of stomach upset. Continue taking your medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you're feeling well.
Before taking your medication, shake the liquid formulation well. Measure liquid doses accurately using the measuring device provided with your medication. If no device is included, ask your pharmacist for a suitable measuring tool.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store the liquid suspension in the refrigerator, but do not freeze it. Discard any unused portion after 10 days. Note that some color change may occur in certain products during storage, but this may be normal. If you're unsure, consult your pharmacist. Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take with food or at the start of a meal to reduce stomach upset and improve absorption of clavulanate.
- Shake the suspension well before each use.
- Use an accurate measuring device (oral syringe or dosing spoon) provided with the medication, not a household spoon.
- Complete the full course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent antibiotic resistance and ensure the infection is fully treated.
- Store the suspension in the refrigerator and discard any unused portion after 10 days.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Amox-Clav 200mg/5ml Susp 50ml
- Amox-Clav 400mg/5ml Susp 75ml
- Amox-Clav 200mg/5ml Susp 100ml
- Amox-Clav ES 600mg/5ml Susp 125ml
- Amox-Clav ES 600mg/5ml Susp 75ml
- Amox-Clav 875-125mg Tablets
- Amox-Clav 400mg/5ml Susp 50ml
- Amox-Clav ES 600mg/5ml Susp 200ml
- Amox-Clav 200mg/5ml Susp 75ml
- Amox-Clav 250mg/5ml Susp 75ml
- Amox-Clav 250mg/5ml Susp 100ml
- Amox-Clav 250mg/5ml Susp 150ml
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash or hives
+ Itching or red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing or tightness in the chest or throat
+ Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Rarely, allergic reactions can be fatal.
Signs of drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome, a type of allergic reaction, such as:
+ Vomiting within 1 to 4 hours after taking this medication
+ Diarrhea within 24 hours after taking this medication
+ Pale or gray skin
+ Feeling tired or unwell
+ Signs of low blood pressure, including severe dizziness or fainting
Vaginal irritation or discharge
Fever or chills
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Diarrhea is a common side effect of antibiotics. However, in rare cases, a severe form called C. diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD) may occur, which can lead to life-threatening bowel problems. If you experience:
+ Stomach pain or cramps
+ Very loose, watery, or bloody stools
+ Contact your doctor immediately. Do not treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor first.
Liver problems, which can be fatal, have been reported with this medication. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience:
+ Dark urine
+ Fatigue
+ Decreased appetite
+ Upset stomach or stomach pain
+ Light-colored stools
+ Vomiting
+ Yellow skin or eyes
Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other serious reactions, can occur with this medication. These reactions can be fatal and may affect other organs. Seek medical help immediately if you experience:
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
+ Red or irritated eyes
+ Sores in your mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin
+ Fever
+ Chills
+ Body aches
+ Shortness of breath
+ Swollen glands
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people may not experience any side effects or may only have mild ones. If you are concerned about any side effects or if they persist, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:
Common side effects for all patients taking this medication:
+ Diarrhea
+ Upset stomach
+ Vomiting
* Common side effects in children:
+ Diaper rash
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat)
- Severe stomach pain, watery or bloody diarrhea (even weeks after last dose)
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools (signs of liver problems)
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Fever, sore throat, headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
If you are allergic to penicillin, as this may affect your ability to take this medication.
Existing kidney disease, as this may impact the medication's effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.
Previous experiences with liver problems or jaundice (turning yellow) while taking this medication.
If you have been diagnosed with mononucleosis (mono), as this may require special consideration.
If you are currently taking probenecid, as this may interact with the medication.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help you determine if it is safe to take this medication in combination with your other treatments and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor first.
Precautions & Cautions
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it is crucial to notify all your healthcare providers and lab personnel that you are taking this drug. If you have diabetes and test your urine glucose levels, consult with your doctor to determine the most suitable tests to use.
Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) should discuss this condition with their doctor, as some products may contain phenylalanine.
Do not take this medication for longer than prescribed, as this may increase the risk of a second infection. A common side effect of this drug is a change in tooth color to yellow-gray-brown, which is more frequently reported in children. In most cases, the discoloration lessens or disappears with regular brushing or dental cleaning. If you notice any changes in tooth color, consult with your doctor.
When taking this medication, birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control methods may be less effective in preventing pregnancy. To minimize the risk of unplanned pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control, such as a condom, while taking this drug.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor. It is necessary to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
- Hyperactivity
- Drowsiness
- Renal tubular damage (rare)
- Crystalluria (rare)
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Treatment is generally supportive and symptomatic. Hemodialysis may be used to remove the drug from circulation in cases of severe overdose or renal impairment.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Methotrexate (increased methotrexate levels and toxicity)
- Warfarin (increased INR and bleeding risk)
Moderate Interactions
- Allopurinol (increased incidence of rash)
- Oral Contraceptives (potential for reduced efficacy, though evidence is mixed)
- Probenecid (increases amoxicillin levels by decreasing renal tubular secretion)
- Mycophenolate mofetil (reduced mycophenolate exposure)
Minor Interactions
- Typhoid vaccine (live, oral) (may reduce therapeutic effect of vaccine)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To prevent hypersensitivity reactions.
Timing: Prior to initiation.
Rationale: To guide dose adjustment in renal impairment.
Timing: Prior to initiation, especially in patients with known or suspected renal dysfunction.
Rationale: To establish baseline, especially in patients with pre-existing hepatic disease or risk factors for liver injury.
Timing: Prior to initiation, if clinically indicated.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Daily, especially during the first few days of therapy.
Target: Absence of symptoms
Action Threshold: Any sign of allergic reaction: discontinue immediately and manage symptomatically.
Frequency: Daily
Target: Absence or mild, tolerable symptoms
Action Threshold: Severe or persistent diarrhea (especially watery/bloody): consider C. difficile infection, discontinue if confirmed or highly suspected.
Frequency: Periodically, if therapy is prolonged or in patients with pre-existing hepatic conditions.
Target: Within normal limits or stable
Action Threshold: Significant elevation: discontinue and investigate.
Frequency: Periodically, if therapy is prolonged or in patients with changing renal status.
Target: Stable or within acceptable limits
Action Threshold: Significant decline: adjust dose or discontinue.
Symptom Monitoring
- Rash
- Itching
- Hives
- Swelling of face/lips/tongue
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe or persistent diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe for use during pregnancy (Category B). Studies in animals have not shown harm to the fetus, and there is no evidence of harm in human studies. However, use only if clearly needed.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Considered compatible with breastfeeding (L1). Both amoxicillin and clavulanate are excreted in small amounts into breast milk. Monitor infant for potential adverse effects such as diarrhea, candidiasis (thrush), or allergic reactions (rash).
Pediatric Use
Dosing is weight-based and depends on the severity and type of infection. The 250mg/5ml suspension is commonly used for pediatric patients. Close monitoring for gastrointestinal side effects and rash is important. Not recommended for neonates (under 12 weeks) due to immature renal function.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustment based solely on age, but dose should be adjusted for renal impairment, which is more common in the elderly. Increased risk of adverse effects, particularly gastrointestinal and hepatic, should be considered. Monitor liver and kidney function.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always instruct patients to shake the suspension well before each use and to use the provided measuring device.
- Advise patients to take the medication at the start of a meal to minimize GI upset and enhance clavulanate absorption.
- Emphasize the importance of completing the full course of therapy, even if symptoms improve, to prevent resistance.
- Counsel patients on the signs and symptoms of C. difficile-associated diarrhea and the need to seek medical attention if it occurs.
- Be aware of the potential for drug-induced liver injury, especially with prolonged use or in patients with pre-existing liver conditions, though it is rare.
Alternative Therapies
- Cephalexin (Keflex)
- Cefdinir (Omnicef)
- Azithromycin (Zithromax)
- Clindamycin (Cleocin)
- Doxycycline (Vibramycin)