Amox-Clav ES 600mg/5ml Susp 200ml
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To ensure your child gets the most benefit from this medication, follow the doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided and adhere to the prescribed regimen. Administer this medication at the start of a meal to enhance its effectiveness and minimize the risk of stomach upset. Before each use, shake the medication well. When measuring liquid doses, use the provided measuring device or ask your pharmacist for one if it's not included.
Continue giving your child this medication as directed by their doctor or healthcare provider, even if they appear to be feeling well. This will help maintain the treatment's effectiveness and prevent any potential complications.
Storing and Disposing of This 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 during storage, but if you're unsure about this, consult your pharmacist. Keep all medications in a secure location, out of reach of children and pets.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Avoid giving two doses at the same time or taking extra doses, as this may lead to adverse effects.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, even if you start to feel better. Do not skip doses or stop taking it early, as this can lead to antibiotic resistance and recurrence of infection.
- Shake the oral suspension well before each use.
- Measure the dose accurately using the provided measuring spoon or oral syringe, not a household spoon.
- Take this medication at the start of a meal to reduce stomach upset and improve absorption of clavulanate.
- Ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent crystalluria (crystals in urine).
- 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 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 or your child experience 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 your child experiences:
+ Stomach pain
+ Cramps
+ Very loose, watery, or bloody stools
Contact your child's doctor right away. Before treating diarrhea, consult with your child's doctor.
Liver problems have been reported with this medication, and in rare cases, have been fatal. If your child exhibits signs of liver problems, such as:
+ Dark urine
+ Tiredness
+ Decreased appetite
+ Upset stomach or stomach pain
+ Light-colored stools
+ Vomiting
+ Yellow skin or eyes
Contact the doctor immediately.
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 fatal. Seek medical help right away if your child experiences:
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
+ Red or irritated eyes
+ Sores in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or any areas of skin
+ Fever
+ Chills
+ Body aches
+ Shortness of breath
+ Swollen glands
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug may cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If your child experiences any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother them or do not go away, contact your child's doctor or seek medical attention:
Diarrhea
Upset stomach
Vomiting
* Diaper rash
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your child's doctor for medical advice.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe allergic reaction: rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing, wheezing. Seek immediate medical attention.
- Severe or watery diarrhea, especially if bloody or persistent, which may be a sign of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). Contact your doctor.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, or unusual tiredness, which could indicate liver problems. Contact your doctor.
- New infection (e.g., oral thrush, vaginal yeast infection) or worsening of symptoms, which may indicate a superinfection. Contact your doctor.
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
If your child has an allergy to this medication, any of its components, or other medications, foods, or substances. Be sure to discuss the specific allergy and any symptoms your child has experienced.
If your child is allergic to penicillin.
If your child has kidney disease.
If your child has previously experienced liver problems or turned yellow while taking this medication.
If your child has mononucleosis (mono).
If your child is currently taking probenecid.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to disclose all medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health issues to your doctor and pharmacist. This will help ensure that it is safe to take this medication in conjunction with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or modify the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
If your child is taking this medication long-term, regular blood tests will be necessary to monitor their condition. Consult with your child's doctor to discuss the details of this monitoring.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it is crucial to notify all healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that your child is taking this drug.
For children with diabetes who undergo urine glucose testing, it is recommended to consult with their doctor to determine the most suitable testing methods, as this medication may affect the accuracy of these tests.
If your child has phenylketonuria (PKU), consult with their doctor, as some formulations of this medication may contain phenylalanine.
Do not administer this medication to your child for an extended period beyond the prescribed duration, as this may increase the risk of a secondary infection.
A common side effect of this medication is a change in tooth color, typically to a yellow-gray-brown hue, which has been reported primarily in children. In most cases, this discoloration can be alleviated or reversed with regular brushing or dental cleaning. If you notice any changes in your child's tooth color, consult with their doctor.
For sexually active children: It is essential to note that this medication may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills and other hormone-based contraceptives. To prevent pregnancy, it is recommended that your child uses an additional form of birth control, such as condoms, while taking this medication.
If your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breastfeeding, consult with their doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both your child and the baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Rash
- Hyperactivity
- Drowsiness
- Renal dysfunction (crystalluria, renal failure)
- Electrolyte imbalance
What to Do:
In case of suspected overdose, contact a poison control center immediately or seek emergency medical attention. The national poison control hotline is 1-800-222-1222. Treatment is generally supportive and symptomatic. Hemodialysis can remove amoxicillin and clavulanate from circulation.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Allopurinol (increased risk of rash with amoxicillin)
- Methotrexate (decreased renal clearance of methotrexate, leading to increased toxicity)
- Warfarin and other oral anticoagulants (may prolong prothrombin time/INR, increased bleeding risk)
Moderate Interactions
- Oral contraceptives (may reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives, advise backup contraception)
- Probenecid (decreases renal tubular secretion of amoxicillin, increasing amoxicillin levels and prolonging half-life)
- Mycophenolate mofetil (reduced mycophenolic acid concentration, monitor clinical response)
Minor Interactions
- Tetracyclines (may antagonize the bactericidal effect of penicillin)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To assess baseline kidney function, especially important for dose adjustment in renal impairment and for drug elimination.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy, particularly in patients with known or suspected renal impairment.
Rationale: To assess baseline liver function, as hepatic dysfunction (including cholestatic jaundice) has been associated with amoxicillin/clavulanate.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy, especially in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Daily, throughout therapy and for several days after discontinuation.
Target: Absence of symptoms
Action Threshold: Any sign of allergic reaction warrants immediate discontinuation and medical attention.
Frequency: Daily, throughout therapy and for several weeks after discontinuation.
Target: Absence of symptoms
Action Threshold: Development of new infection or severe, persistent diarrhea (consider C. difficile infection) warrants evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Frequency: Daily, especially in pediatric patients to prevent crystalluria.
Target: Adequate hydration and urine output.
Action Threshold: Signs of dehydration or decreased urine output.
Frequency: Periodically, especially in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment or prolonged therapy.
Target: Within normal limits or stable baseline.
Action Threshold: Significant elevation or signs of cholestatic jaundice.
Frequency: Periodically, especially during prolonged therapy (e.g., >2 weeks).
Target: Within normal limits.
Action Threshold: Significant changes in blood counts (e.g., leukopenia, thrombocytopenia).
Symptom Monitoring
- Skin rash, hives, itching
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Hoarseness
- Severe diarrhea (watery or bloody)
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Nausea, vomiting
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Fever, sore throat, chills (signs of superinfection)
- Vaginal itching or discharge
- White patches in mouth or on tongue
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 and only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Amoxicillin and clavulanate are excreted in small amounts into breast milk. Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding (Lactation Risk Category L2).
Pediatric Use
This ES-600 formulation is specifically designed for pediatric use, particularly for the treatment of acute otitis media and sinusitis in children where a high dose of amoxicillin is required and beta-lactamase producing organisms are suspected. Dosing is weight-based (mg/kg/day). Close monitoring for gastrointestinal side effects and rash is important.
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 is primarily based on renal function, which is often diminished in the elderly. Monitor renal function closely.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Amox-Clav ES-600 (14:1 ratio) is specifically formulated for pediatric patients requiring high-dose amoxicillin for infections like acute otitis media and sinusitis, where beta-lactamase producing strains are common.
- Always ensure the correct formulation (e.g., ES-600 vs. 7:1 or 4:1 ratio) is dispensed, as the clavulanate content varies significantly, impacting dosing and potential side effects.
- Instruct patients to take the suspension at the start of a meal to enhance clavulanate absorption and minimize gastrointestinal intolerance.
- Emphasize the importance of shaking the suspension well before each use and using an accurate measuring device.
- Advise patients to complete the entire course of therapy, even if symptoms improve, to prevent antibiotic resistance and recurrence of infection.
- Counsel on potential side effects, especially diarrhea, and the importance of reporting severe or persistent diarrhea (risk of C. difficile infection).
Alternative Therapies
- Cefdinir (for AOM, sinusitis)
- Cefpodoxime (for AOM, sinusitis)
- Ceftriaxone (parenteral, for severe AOM, sinusitis)
- Azithromycin (for penicillin-allergic patients, though resistance is a concern)
- Clindamycin (for certain anaerobic infections or penicillin-allergic patients)