Augmentin 250-125mg Tablets

Amoxicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to one or more penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), thereby interfering with the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis in the bacterial cell wall. This leads to bacterial cell lysis and death. Clavulanate potassium is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that protects amoxicillin from degradation by beta-lactamase enzymes produced by many resistant bacteria. Clavulanate binds irreversibly to these enzymes, extending the antibacterial spectrum of amoxicillin to include many beta-lactamase-producing strains.

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
Liver problems, which can be fatal, may occur with this medication. Seek medical help 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 affect other body organs. Seek medical help immediately if you notice:
+ 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 experience no side effects or only minor ones. However, if you notice any of the following side effects or if they bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:

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 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.

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

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 impact your ability to take this medication.
Existing kidney disease, as this may affect how your body processes the medication.
Previous experiences with liver problems or jaundice (turning yellow) while taking this medication.
If you have been diagnosed with mononucleosis (mono).
Current use of 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 with your existing health conditions and other medications. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor first.

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 for an extended period, 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.

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 medication, particularly in children, is a change in tooth color to a yellow-gray-brown hue. In most cases, this discoloration can be reduced or eliminated 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. You and your doctor will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.

• Allopurinol (increased risk of rash)
• Methotrexate (decreased renal clearance of methotrexate, leading to increased toxicity)
• Oral anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin - increased INR/bleeding risk, mechanism unclear, possibly affecting gut flora or vitamin K synthesis)
• Mycophenolate mofetil (reduced mycophenolic acid concentration, potentially reducing immunosuppressive effect)

• Probenecid (decreased renal tubular secretion of amoxicillin, leading to increased and prolonged amoxicillin levels)
• Oral contraceptives (potential for reduced efficacy due to altered gut flora, though evidence is weak)
• Typhoid vaccine (live, oral) (antibiotics may inactivate the vaccine)

• Tetracyclines (may antagonize the bactericidal effect of amoxicillin)

• Rash
• Itching
• Hives
• 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
• Easy bruising or bleeding

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, but extensive clinical experience suggests no increased risk of birth defects.

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

Dosing is weight-based (mg/kg/day) and depends on the severity of infection. The 250-125mg tablet formulation may be suitable for older children who can swallow tablets, but suspensions are often preferred for younger children. Ensure appropriate clavulanate limits are not exceeded, especially with higher amoxicillin doses.

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 necessary in elderly patients with renal impairment. Monitor for adverse effects, especially gastrointestinal and hepatic.

• Always ensure the correct Augmentin formulation is prescribed and dispensed, as the amoxicillin to clavulanate ratio varies (e.g., 250/125, 500/125, 875/125). The 250-125mg tablet has a 2:1 ratio, while 500-125mg and 875-125mg have 4:1 and 7:1 ratios, respectively. This is crucial for avoiding excessive clavulanate exposure, which is associated with increased risk of diarrhea and hepatotoxicity.
• Taking Augmentin with food helps to reduce gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea.
• Counsel patients on the importance of completing the full course of therapy to prevent resistance, even if symptoms improve.
• Be vigilant for signs of C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), which can occur during or after antibiotic therapy.
• Monitor liver function tests in patients with pre-existing hepatic impairment or those on prolonged therapy, as hepatotoxicity, though rare, can be severe.

• Cephalosporins (e.g., Cefuroxime, Cefdinir)
• Macrolides (e.g., Azithromycin, Clarithromycin) - if beta-lactam allergy or atypical pathogens
• Fluoroquinolones (e.g., Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin) - for specific indications and resistance patterns
• Doxycycline (for certain respiratory or skin infections)

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; consult your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, we encourage you 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 reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the quantity, and the time it occurred.