Amox-Clav 400mg/5ml Susp 50ml
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 beginning 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 start to feel better.
Before using your medication, shake the bottle well. If you are taking a liquid dose, measure it carefully using the measuring device provided with the medication. If no device is included, ask your pharmacist for a suitable measuring device.
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 over time, which can be normal for some products. If you are unsure about this, 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 dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular 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 milk to reduce stomach upset.
- Shake the suspension well before each use.
- Use a calibrated measuring spoon or oral syringe for accurate dosing.
- Complete the full course of medication, even if symptoms improve, to prevent antibiotic resistance and recurrence of infection.
- 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 or seek medical attention immediately:
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 right away. Before treating diarrhea, consult with your doctor.
Liver problems have been reported with this medication, and in rare cases, have been fatal. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice:
+ Dark urine
+ Tiredness
+ 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, may occur. These reactions can be fatal and may also affect other body organs. Seek medical help right away 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
Not all side effects are severe, and many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones. However, if you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:
For all patients taking this medication:
+ Diarrhea
+ Upset stomach
+ Vomiting
* For children:
+ Diaper rash
Reporting Side Effects
This is not an exhaustive list of possible 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/throat)
- Severe or watery diarrhea (may occur up to 2 months after stopping medication)
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
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 other medications. Never start, stop, or change 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 has been reported primarily in children. In most cases, the discoloration lessens or disappears with regular brushing or dental cleaning. If you experience a change 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, use 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:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Hyperactivity
- Drowsiness
- Renal dysfunction (crystalluria)
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Treatment is generally supportive; hemodialysis can remove amoxicillin and clavulanate from circulation.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Allopurinol (increased risk of rash with amoxicillin)
- Warfarin (increased INR/bleeding risk)
- Methotrexate (decreased renal clearance of methotrexate, increased toxicity)
- Oral Contraceptives (potential decreased efficacy of oral contraceptives)
Moderate Interactions
- Probenecid (decreased renal tubular secretion of amoxicillin, increased and prolonged amoxicillin levels)
- Mycophenolate Mofetil (reduced mycophenolic acid concentration)
- Typhoid Vaccine (live, oral) (antibiotics may inactivate the vaccine)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To prevent severe hypersensitivity reactions.
Timing: Prior to first dose.
Rationale: To guide dosage adjustment in patients with impaired renal function.
Timing: Prior to initiation, especially in patients with suspected renal impairment.
Rationale: To assess baseline liver status, especially in patients with pre-existing liver disease, given the risk of hepatotoxicity.
Timing: Prior to initiation in patients with pre-existing liver disease or prolonged therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Daily during therapy
Target: Absence of symptoms
Action Threshold: Any new rash, itching, or difficulty breathing requires immediate discontinuation and medical evaluation.
Frequency: Daily during and up to several weeks post-therapy
Target: Absence of severe, persistent diarrhea
Action Threshold: Onset of severe, watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever; consider C. difficile testing and appropriate management.
Frequency: Periodically, especially with prolonged therapy or in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment
Target: Within normal limits or stable
Action Threshold: Significant elevation (e.g., >3x ULN) or worsening of liver function tests; consider discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically, especially with prolonged therapy or in patients with pre-existing renal impairment
Target: Stable or within acceptable limits
Action Threshold: Significant decline in renal function; reassess dosage.
Symptom Monitoring
- Rash
- Itching
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- 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 are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Amoxicillin and clavulanate are excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding (L2 - Safer).
Pediatric Use
This specific formulation (400mg/5ml) is primarily designed for pediatric use, especially for higher-dose amoxicillin regimens (e.g., 90 mg/kg/day) for resistant otitis media. Dosing is weight-based and age-dependent. Not recommended for neonates (<12 weeks) due to immature renal function and potential for adverse effects.
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. Dosage adjustment may be necessary based on renal function, which commonly declines with age. Monitor for adverse effects, especially gastrointestinal and hepatic.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- This 400mg/5ml (7:1 ratio) formulation is specifically designed for pediatric patients, particularly for infections like acute otitis media where higher amoxicillin doses are recommended to overcome resistance.
- Always ensure the correct formulation (e.g., 7:1 vs. 4:1 ratio) is dispensed, as clavulanate content differs and impacts dosing and side effects.
- Advise patients to take with food to minimize GI upset, which is a common side effect.
- Emphasize the importance of completing the full course of therapy to prevent resistance, even if symptoms improve.
- Refrigeration is required for the reconstituted suspension, and it must be discarded after 10 days.
- Be vigilant for signs of C. difficile-associated diarrhea, which can occur during or even weeks after therapy.
Alternative Therapies
- Cephalosporins (e.g., Cefdinir, Cefpodoxime, Cefuroxime)
- Macrolides (e.g., Azithromycin, Clarithromycin) - Note: Resistance is common for some pathogens.
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin) - Generally not first-line for pediatric infections due to side effect profile.
- Doxycycline (for older children/adolescents for specific indications)