Augmentin 400mg/5ml Susp75ml
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To get the most benefit from your medication, take it exactly as directed by your doctor. Carefully read all the information provided with your prescription, and follow the instructions closely.
To minimize the risk of stomach upset and ensure the medication works effectively, take it at the beginning of a meal. Continue taking your medication as prescribed 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 that comes with the medication. If a measuring device is not provided, ask your pharmacist for one to ensure you take the correct dose.
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 and secure location, 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 the missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
- Shake the suspension well before each use.
- Use the provided measuring spoon or cup for accurate dosing.
- Complete the entire course of medication, even if symptoms improve, to prevent resistance.
- Store the reconstituted suspension in the refrigerator and discard any unused portion after 10 days.
- Do not share this medication with others.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Augmentin 250-125mg Tablets
- Augmentin 250mg/5ml Susp 75ml
- Augmentin 400mg Chewable Tabs
- Augmentin 200mg/5ml Susp 50ml
- Augmentin 200mg/5ml Susp75ml
- Augmentin 200mg/5ml Susp100ml
- Augmentin 400mg/5ml Susp 50ml
- Augmentin 400mg/5ml Susp75ml
- Augmentin 400mg/5ml Susp100ml
- Augmentin ES-600mg Susp 200ml
- Augmentin ES-600mg Susp 125ml
- Augmentin ES 600/5ml Susp 75ml
- Augmentin 250mg/5ml Susp 150ml
- Augmentin 875-125mg Tablets
- Augmentin 500-125mg Tablets
- Augmentin XR 1000mg/62.5mg Tablets
- Augmentin 250mg/5ml Susp 100ml
- Augmentin 125mg/5ml Susp 100ml
- Augmentin 125mg/5ml Susp 150ml
Generic Alternatives:
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 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 experience:
+ 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 internal 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
All medications can cause side effects, but many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that 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.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe or watery diarrhea (especially if persistent or bloody)
- New or worsening rash, hives, or itching
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (signs of severe allergic reaction)
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Dark urine or pale stools
Before Using This Medicine
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 affect your ability to take this medication.
Existing kidney disease, as this may impact the medication's effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.
Previous experiences with liver problems or jaundice (turning yellow) while taking this medication.
If you have been diagnosed with mononucleosis (mono), as this may require special consideration.
Current use of probenecid, as this medication may interact with the 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 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, particularly in children, is a change in tooth color to yellow-gray-brown. 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.
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 you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Abdominal pain
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Crystalluria (in cases of very high doses, 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 largely supportive, including hydration to maintain urine output and hemodialysis to remove drug from circulation.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Warfarin (increased INR, bleeding risk)
- Methotrexate (increased methotrexate levels, toxicity)
- Allopurinol (increased incidence of rash)
Moderate Interactions
- Oral Contraceptives (potential reduced efficacy)
- Probenecid (increased and prolonged amoxicillin levels)
- Mycophenolate Mofetil (reduced mycophenolic acid concentration)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To identify the causative pathogen and confirm susceptibility to amoxicillin/clavulanate.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy, if clinically appropriate.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Daily during acute treatment
Target: Resolution of symptoms, reduction in fever, improvement in infection markers.
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening symptoms may indicate treatment failure, resistance, or alternative diagnosis.
Frequency: Periodically, especially with prolonged therapy or in patients with pre-existing hepatic dysfunction.
Target: Within normal limits or stable.
Action Threshold: Significant elevation may indicate drug-induced liver injury; consider discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment or during prolonged therapy.
Target: Stable or improving.
Action Threshold: Deterioration may require dose adjustment.
Symptom Monitoring
- Diarrhea (especially severe or persistent, indicative of C. difficile infection)
- Rash (maculopapular, urticarial, or severe cutaneous reactions)
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Signs of superinfection (e.g., oral thrush, vaginal yeast infection)
- Signs of allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing)
Special Patient Groups
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. Generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when clearly needed.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
L2 (Likely Compatible). Amoxicillin and clavulanate are excreted in small amounts into breast milk. Generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but monitor infant for potential adverse effects.
Pediatric Use
Widely used in pediatric patients. Dosing is weight-based (mg/kg/day) and adjusted according to the severity and type of infection. The 400mg/5ml formulation is specifically designed for pediatric use.
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.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Always shake the oral suspension well before each dose.
- Refrigerate the reconstituted suspension and discard after 10 days.
- Administer at the start of a meal to enhance absorption and minimize gastrointestinal intolerance.
- Not effective against viral infections; avoid inappropriate use to prevent antibiotic resistance.
- Patients with a history of penicillin allergy should not receive Augmentin due to cross-reactivity.
- Monitor for signs of C. difficile-associated diarrhea, which can occur even weeks after discontinuation.
Alternative Therapies
- Cephalosporins (e.g., Cefdinir, Cefpodoxime, Cefuroxime for respiratory/skin infections)
- Macrolides (e.g., Azithromycin, Clarithromycin for atypical pathogens or penicillin allergy)
- Fluoroquinolones (e.g., Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin for specific severe infections, generally avoided in pediatrics)
- Other broad-spectrum antibiotics depending on the specific pathogen and site of infection.