Amox-Clav 400mg/5ml Susp 100ml
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To get the most benefit from 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 enhance its effectiveness and minimize the risk of stomach upset. Continue taking your medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start feeling better.
Before using the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle well. Measure the liquid dose accurately using the measuring device provided with the medication. If a measuring device is not included, ask your pharmacist for one to ensure accurate dosing.
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. You may notice a color change in the medication during storage, which may be normal for certain products. If you are unsure, consult your pharmacist. Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is 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
- Shake the suspension well before each use.
- Measure the dose accurately using the provided measuring device (spoon or syringe), not a household spoon.
- Take the medication with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
- Complete the entire course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
- Store the reconstituted suspension in the refrigerator and discard any unused portion after 10 days.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Amox-Clav 200mg/5ml Susp 100ml
- Amox-Clav 400mg/5ml Susp 100ml
- Amox-Clav 875-125mg Tablets
- Amox-Clav 500-125mg Tablets
- Amox-Clav 200mg/5ml Susp 50ml
- Amox-Clav 200mg/5ml Susp 75ml
- Amox-Clav 400mg/5ml Susp 50ml
- Amox-Clav 400mg/5ml Susp 75ml
- Amox-Clav 875-125mg Tablets
- Amox-Clav 400mg Chew Tablets
- Amox-Clav 200/28.5mg Chew Tabs
- Amox-Clav 250-125mg Tablets
- Amox-Clav ES 600mg/5ml Susp 200ml
- Amox-Clav 250mg/5ml Susp 100ml
- Amox-Clav 250mg/5ml Susp 75ml
- Amox-Clav ES 600mg/5ml Susp 75ml
- Amox-Clav XR 1000/62.5mg Tablets
- Amox-Clav ES 600mg/5ml Susp 125ml
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific 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 medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Rarely, some 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, such as severe dizziness or passing out
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 a life-threatening bowel problem. If you experience:
+ Stomach pain
+ Cramps
+ Very loose, watery, or bloody stools
contact your doctor immediately. Before treating diarrhea, consult with your doctor.
Liver problems have been reported with this medication, and in rare cases, have been fatal. If you notice:
+ Dark urine
+ Tiredness
+ Decreased appetite
+ Upset stomach or stomach pain
+ Light-colored stools
+ Vomiting
+ Yellow skin or eyes
contact your doctor right away.
Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and other serious reactions, may occur. These reactions can affect body organs and be life-threatening. 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 any areas of skin
+ Fever
+ Chills
+ Body aches
+ Shortness of breath
+ Swollen glands
Other Possible Side Effects
All medications can cause side effects, but many people experience no side effects or only minor ones. If you are concerned about any side effects or if they persist, contact your doctor or seek medical attention. Common side effects include:
For all patients taking this medication:
+ Diarrhea
+ Upset stomach
+ Vomiting
* For children:
+ Diaper rash
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns, 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:
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, dizziness.
- Severe or watery diarrhea, especially if it contains blood or mucus, which may occur even weeks after stopping the medication (could be C. difficile infection).
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, severe stomach pain, or persistent nausea/vomiting (signs of liver problems).
- Unusual bruising or bleeding (if also taking blood thinners like warfarin).
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
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.
If you have kidney disease or any history of kidney problems.
If you have experienced liver problems or jaundice (turned yellow) while taking this medication in the past.
If you have been diagnosed with mononucleosis (mono).
If you are currently taking probenecid or any other medications that may interact with this drug.
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 with your existing health conditions and medications. Never start, stop, or change the dose 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 a yellow-gray-brown hue, which has been reported primarily 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.
Women taking birth control pills or other hormone-based contraceptives should be aware that this medication may reduce their effectiveness. To prevent pregnancy, consider using an additional form of birth control, such as a condom, while taking this drug.
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. You will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of taking this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain)
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Crystalluria (in severe cases, leading to renal failure)
- Convulsions (rare, in patients with impaired renal function or high doses)
What to Do:
In case of suspected overdose, seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center (e.g., 1-800-222-1222). Treatment is generally supportive and symptomatic. Hemodialysis can remove amoxicillin and clavulanate from circulation.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Warfarin (increased INR, bleeding risk)
- Methotrexate (increased methotrexate levels and toxicity)
Moderate Interactions
- Allopurinol (increased incidence of rash)
- Probenecid (increased and prolonged amoxicillin blood levels)
- Oral Contraceptives (theoretical reduction in efficacy, consider backup method)
- Mycophenolate Mofetil (reduced mycophenolic acid concentration)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To prevent severe allergic reactions.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To guide dose adjustment in patients with renal impairment.
Timing: Prior to initiation, especially in elderly or those with known renal issues
Rationale: To assess baseline liver status, especially in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment or history of drug-induced liver injury.
Timing: Prior to initiation if risk factors present
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Daily
Target: Resolution of signs and symptoms of infection
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening symptoms may indicate treatment failure, resistance, or alternative diagnosis.
Frequency: Daily
Target: Absence of new infections
Action Threshold: Development of new symptoms requires evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Frequency: Periodically, especially with prolonged therapy or in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment
Target: Within normal limits or stable
Action Threshold: Significant elevation may require discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically, especially with prolonged therapy or in patients with pre-existing renal impairment
Target: Within normal limits or stable
Action Threshold: Significant changes may require dose adjustment or discontinuation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Skin rash, itching, hives (signs of allergic reaction)
- Severe or persistent diarrhea (may indicate C. difficile infection)
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools (signs of liver injury)
- Unusual bruising or bleeding (if on warfarin)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Amoxicillin/clavulanate is classified as Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have not shown harm to the fetus, and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when clearly needed, but should be used with caution.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Both amoxicillin and clavulanate are excreted in small amounts into breast milk. Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. Monitor breastfed infants for potential adverse effects.
Pediatric Use
This 400mg/5ml suspension formulation is commonly used in pediatric patients. Dosing is weight-based and varies by infection type and severity. Close attention to accurate dosing and monitoring for side effects (e.g., diarrhea, rash) is crucial.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. Dose adjustment is necessary in elderly patients with renal impairment, as age-related decline in renal function is common.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always shake the oral suspension well before each dose to ensure uniform distribution of the medication.
- Refrigerate the reconstituted suspension and discard after 10 days to maintain potency and stability.
- Taking the medication with food can significantly reduce gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea.
- This medication is ineffective against viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu); avoid inappropriate use to prevent antibiotic resistance.
- Patients should be advised to report any signs of severe diarrhea, especially if bloody or watery, as it could indicate Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), which can occur even weeks after therapy.
- Monitor for signs of cholestatic jaundice, which can occur during or shortly after treatment, and may be delayed for several weeks after cessation of therapy. It is more common in elderly males and with prolonged treatment.
Alternative Therapies
- Cephalosporins (e.g., Cefdinir, Cefuroxime, Ceftriaxone)
- Macrolides (e.g., Azithromycin, Clarithromycin) for specific infections or penicillin allergy
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin) for specific infections, generally reserved due to side effect profile
- Tetracyclines (e.g., Doxycycline) for specific infections