Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Potassium (By Mouth)

Amoxicillin (am-OKS-i-sil-in), Clavulanate Potassium (KLAV-yoo-la-nate poe-TASS-ee-um)

Treats ear infections. This medicine is a penicillin antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Augmentin ES-600, Augmentin, Augmentin XR
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to amoxicillin, clavulanate, or any other type of penicillin, or if you have ever had liver problems caused by Augmentin®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Liquid, Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine at the beginning of a meal or snack.
• If you are using the chewable tablets, chew the tablet completely before swallowing.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. Shake the medicine well just before measuring each dose.
• Do not chew, crush, or break the extended-release tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
• Use only the form of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different forms may not work the same way.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the tablets and chewable tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Use the oral liquid within 10 days after you fill the prescription, and throw away any medicine that is left over when you are finished with your treatment time.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using probenecid (Benemid®), allopurinol (Aloprim™, Zyloprim®), or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).
• Birth control pills may not work while you are using Augmentin®. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have liver disease, phenylketonuria ("PKU"), mononucleosis ("mono"), or if you have trouble swallowing. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to cephalosporin antibiotics (such as cefaclor, cefadroxil, cephalexin, Ceftin®, Keflex®).
• If you have severe diarrhea, check with your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
• Amoxicillin/clavulanate may cause incorrect results with some urine sugar tests used by people with diabetes.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing (this may happen after you stop using this medicine)
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Muscle pain or weakness, fever
• Severe or ongoing diarrhea (this may happen after you stop using this medicine)
• Yellow skin or eyes, dark-colored urine or pale stools (this may happen after you stop using this medicine)

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diaper rash
• Mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Vaginal itching or discharge, white patches in your mouth or throat

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.