Amox-Clav 400mg/5ml Susp 50ml

Manufacturer WEST-WARD Active Ingredient Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Suspension(a moks i SIL in & klav yoo LAN ate) Pronunciation a-moks-i-SIL-in & klav-yoo-LAN-ate
It is used to treat bacterial infections.
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Drug Class
Antibiotic, Beta-lactam
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Pharmacologic Class
Penicillin, Beta-lactamase Inhibitor Combination
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Pregnancy Category
Category B
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FDA Approved
Sep 1984
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

This medicine is an antibiotic that combines two drugs: amoxicillin and clavulanate. Amoxicillin kills bacteria, and clavulanate helps amoxicillin work better by protecting it from certain bacterial defenses. It's used to treat various bacterial infections, especially in children.
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How to Use This Medicine

Taking Your Medication Correctly

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.
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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.

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: Not typically used for adults in this specific concentration (400mg/5ml suspension). Adult formulations are usually tablets (e.g., 500mg/125mg or 875mg/125mg).
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established for neonates (less than 12 weeks). Use caution and consult specific guidelines.
Infant: For infants â‰Ĩ 3 months: Dosing is based on amoxicillin component. For otitis media, sinusitis, or lower respiratory tract infections: 90 mg/kg/day (amoxicillin component) in 2 divided doses every 12 hours for 10 days. Max 1000 mg/day amoxicillin.
Child: For children (â‰Ĩ 3 months to < 12 years): Dosing is based on amoxicillin component. For otitis media, sinusitis, or lower respiratory tract infections: 90 mg/kg/day (amoxicillin component) in 2 divided doses every 12 hours for 10 days. For less severe infections (e.g., skin/skin structure infections, urinary tract infections): 45 mg/kg/day (amoxicillin component) in 2 divided doses every 12 hours. Max 1000 mg/day amoxicillin.
Adolescent: For adolescents (â‰Ĩ 12 years or > 40 kg): Dosing is typically adult tablet formulations. If using suspension, follow adult tablet dosing guidelines (e.g., 875 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanate every 12 hours or 500 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanate every 8 hours), adjusting for suspension concentration. Max 1000 mg/day amoxicillin.
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: CrCl > 30 mL/min: No dosage adjustment needed.
Moderate: CrCl 10-30 mL/min: 250 mg/62.5 mg or 500 mg/125 mg every 12 hours (refer to tablet formulations, adjust for suspension if necessary). The 400mg/5ml (7:1 ratio) formulation is generally not recommended for moderate to severe renal impairment due to fixed clavulanate content. Consider alternative formulations or agents.
Severe: CrCl < 10 mL/min: Not recommended. If absolutely necessary, 250 mg/62.5 mg every 24 hours (refer to tablet formulations, adjust for suspension if necessary).
Dialysis: Hemodialysis: 250 mg/62.5 mg or 500 mg/125 mg every 24 hours, with an additional dose given during and at the end of dialysis. Peritoneal Dialysis: Not well studied, generally not recommended.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: Use with caution; monitor hepatic function.
Moderate: Use with caution; monitor hepatic function. Dosage adjustment not specifically defined, but close monitoring is essential.
Severe: Use with caution; monitor hepatic function. Dosage adjustment not specifically defined, but close monitoring is essential. Discontinue if hepatic dysfunction worsens.

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Amoxicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), leading to cell lysis and death. Clavulanate is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that irreversibly binds to and inactivates a wide range of bacterial beta-lactamase enzymes, preventing the degradation of amoxicillin and extending its antibacterial spectrum against beta-lactamase-producing strains.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: Amoxicillin: 70-90%; Clavulanate: 60-75%
Tmax: Amoxicillin: 1-2 hours; Clavulanate: 1-2 hours
FoodEffect: Absorption is not significantly affected by food, but administration at the start of a meal may reduce gastrointestinal intolerance.

Distribution:

Vd: Amoxicillin: 0.3-0.4 L/kg; Clavulanate: 0.2 L/kg
ProteinBinding: Amoxicillin: 17-20%; Clavulanate: 22-30%
CnssPenetration: Limited (increases with meningeal inflammation)

Elimination:

HalfLife: Amoxicillin: 1-1.5 hours; Clavulanate: 1 hour (both prolonged in renal impairment)
Clearance: Amoxicillin: Primarily renal; Clavulanate: Primarily renal
ExcretionRoute: Renal (glomerular filtration and tubular secretion)
Unchanged: Amoxicillin: 50-70%; Clavulanate: 25-40%
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Rapid, typically within 30 minutes to 1 hour
PeakEffect: 1-2 hours post-dose
DurationOfAction: Dependent on dosing interval (e.g., 12 hours for BID dosing)

Safety & Warnings

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Side Effects

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

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.
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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
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Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

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.
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Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. If you are taking this drug long-term, your doctor may recommend regular blood tests to monitor your condition.

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.
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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

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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)
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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

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Baseline Monitoring

Allergy history (penicillins, cephalosporins)

Rationale: To prevent severe hypersensitivity reactions.

Timing: Prior to first dose.

Renal function (CrCl, eGFR)

Rationale: To guide dosage adjustment in patients with impaired renal function.

Timing: Prior to initiation, especially in patients with suspected renal impairment.

Hepatic function (ALT, AST, bilirubin)

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.

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Routine Monitoring

Signs/symptoms of hypersensitivity (rash, itching, dyspnea)

Frequency: Daily during therapy

Target: Absence of symptoms

Action Threshold: Any new rash, itching, or difficulty breathing requires immediate discontinuation and medical evaluation.

Signs/symptoms of C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)

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.

Hepatic function (ALT, AST, bilirubin)

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.

Renal function (CrCl, eGFR)

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.

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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

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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:

First Trimester: No increased risk of major birth defects observed.
Second Trimester: No increased risk of major birth defects observed.
Third Trimester: No increased risk of major birth defects observed. Caution advised near term due to potential for increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates, though data is limited.
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Lactation

Amoxicillin and clavulanate are excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding (L2 - Safer).

Infant Risk: Low risk of adverse effects in breastfed infants. Potential for diarrhea, candidiasis (thrush), or sensitization in the infant. Monitor infant for gastrointestinal disturbances or rash.
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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.

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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

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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.
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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)
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: Varies widely, typically $20-$60 per 50ml bottle
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Tier 1 or 2 (Generic)
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.