What is Augmentin?
Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) is a combination antibiotic, belonging to the penicillin class of antibiotics and is used to treat bacterial infections including sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and infections of the skin.
Augmentin is a prescription drug that is very commonly used by a number of patients and uses a combination of two active ingredients: amoxicillin & clavulanic acid. Together, the ingredients fight bacteria that would ordinarily be resistant to amoxicillin alone.
Augmentin is often a drug of choice to treat bacterial infections. It shows its action by inhibiting the synthesis of the cell wall of the bacteria. It is also one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for children, frequently dispensed for ear infections, and serves a variety of medicinal purposes.
What is the Chemical Formula of Augmentin?
The chemical composition of Augmentin is amoxicillin & clavulanic acid, a penicillin antibiotic combined with a beta-lactamase inhibitor. These two chemicals are combined to overcome antibiotic resistance.
What are the Available Forms of Augmentin in Pakistan?
Amoxicillin is available in the market in the following forms:
- Powder for injection (needs to be reconstituted
- Oral suspension
- Powder
- Tablet
Augmentin Dosage and Strength:
Augmentin is available in the following different strengths:
- Powder for injection (needs to be reconstituted) as Augmentin injection in 500mg and 1g.
- Oral suspension as 25mg per ml, 50mg per ml and 80mg per 1ml
- Tablets as 625 mg and 1g
For adults, the recommended dose is 625mg thrice a day or 1g twice a day
How to take Augmentin?
You can take Augmentin with or without food but it is recommended with food if taken by mouth as it may upset your stomach or cause gastric ulcers when taken on an empty stomach. Tell your doctor if you feel stomach pain or nausea, as it may be a sign of gastritis. Try to take it for the shortest possible time. Do not crush or chew the tablet.
You should take an Augmentin tablet with a glass of water. Swallow it whole. Follow the dose and frequency as advised by the doctor. Do not alter the dose and frequency, as it can lead to other problems. Before stopping its use, you must consult with a healthcare provider.
What are the Uses of Augmentin?
Augmentin is used to treat the following conditions:
- Urinary tract infection
- Sinusitis
- Otitis media
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Lower respiratory tract infection
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Salmonellosis
- Infections of the oral cavity
- Lyme disease
- Prophylaxis for anthrax exposure
- Meningitis
- Endocarditis
- H. Pylori infection
- Skin infections
- Typhoid fever
- Parathyroid fever
- Prosthetic joints infection
- Prevention of secondary case of invasive group A streptococcal infection
- Uncomplicated genital chlamydial infections
- Nongonococcal urethritis
- Uncomplicated gonorrhea
- Prophylaxis for insertion of an intrauterine device
- Prevention of pertussis
What are the side effects of Augmentin?
Being one of the most frequently used medications for treating several conditions, augmentin is known to have few to no side effects although in some cases, patients may experience certain side effects, and therefore, it is advised to take the medicine after consulting with your doctor.
The side effects of Augmentin can be as follows:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomit containing coffee grounds
- Blood in stool
- Constipation
- Black stools
- Acid reflux
- Anemia
- Elevation of liver enzymes
- Diarrhea
- Serum sickness
- Risk of infections
- Crystalluria
- Eye discomfort
- Gastric discomfort
- Lethargy and body pain
- Headache
- Hearing impairment
- Nausea
- Pancreatitis
- Sleep disorders
- Vision disorders
- Altered taste
What are the risks and warnings for Augmentin?
Allergic to Amoxicillin:
If you are allergic to amoxicillin, do not take Augmentin or any other medicine with the same generic name, as it can result in a life-threatening condition called anaphylactic shock.
If you are allergic to penicillins, you must avoid the use of Augmentin as it can cause allergy. Always inform your healthcare provider about the documented allergies you have.
Non-susceptible organisms:
Amoxicillin should be given to the patient only when the bacteria are sensitive to it. If not, it can lead to antibiotic resistance, making it difficult to treat infections next time. It mostly applies to urinary tract infections and infections of the nose, ear & throat.
Seizures:
If you have a history of seizures or suffer from renal impairment, you must avoid the use of Augmentin as it can provoke seizures.
Kidney failure:
If your kidneys do not work well, the doctor may lower the dose of the drug. It happens because your kidneys are meant to excrete out the waste and toxins. If that does not happen, the toxins may build up in your body, leading to severe adverse effects. Therefore, you must inform your health care provider about your complete health condition.
Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction:
Jarisch-Herxheimer’s reaction happens when Augmentin is given to the patient with Lyme disease. It happens because of the release of endotoxins due to the death of bacteria.
Gastric ulcers:
People suffering from gastric ulcers and acidity must take Augmentin with extreme caution because it affects your gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, it can cause ulceration in your stomach lining when taken for the long term. Your doctor may prescribe a gastroprotective agent along with it.
Liver diseases:
Patients with liver disease should take Amoxicillin with caution. It is because your liver helps in the metabolism and excretion of drugs. When it does not work efficiently due to any disease, it can cause accumulation of the drug in your body, leading to severe adverse effects.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
If you are pregnant, do not take Augmentin unless your doctor advises it. It can affect the functioning of your baby’s health. Breastfeeding mothers should also consult with a healthcare provider before taking it.
Anticoagulants or bleeding disorders:
If you are taking anticoagulants for thinning of your blood, or you have any bleeding disorder, take Augmentin only on the advice of a medical expert.
Interactions between Augmentin and other medications:
Augmentin may interact with the following drugs. A drug interaction does not mean that you stop taking the medicine on your own, however, you must tell your health specialist about it.
- Probenecid
- Blood thinners like warfarin
- Allopurinol
- Oral birth control pills containing estrogen and progesterone.
- Other antibiotics like chloramphenicol, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and macrolides.
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs like atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and other statins.
- Ergot alkaloids
- Colchicine
- Oral hypoglycemic agents like repaglinide, rosiglitazone, nateglinide, and pioglitazone
- Quetiapine
- Antiarrhythmic drugs like amiodarone and procainamide
- Benzodiazepine like diazepam, midazolam and triazolam
- Calcium containing supplements
- Iron supplement
- Zinc and bismuth-containing drugs
To avoid drug interactions, you must provide a complete medical history to your healthcare provider including other health conditions you have as well as any medicines you have been taking. At times, a dose adjustment can help prevent drug interactions.
What is the price of Augmentin in Pakistan in 2022?
The price of an Augmentin tablet in Pakistan is Rs. 30.62 per tablet in 2022.
The price of Augmentin DS syrup in Pakistan is Rs. 292 per syrup.
Storage Conditions:
- Keep the product out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store it at room temperature.
- Do not use it after the mentioned expiry date.
How to get Augmentin in Pakistan?
If you are looking to buy Augmentin in Pakistan, get a prescription after consulting with your health care expert and visit your nearest pharmacy or medical store with the relevant prescription.
What medicines are available as alternatives to Augmentin in Pakistan?
You can find Augmentin alternatives in Pakistan by the names of:
- Clavamox (Co-amoxiclav)
- Amclav
- Auget
Conclusion:
You can use augmentin for a variety of medical reasons, especially, when it comes to treating bacterial infections or wounds but it is very important to take the dosage prescribed by your doctor and follow the specified guidelines to get the best results while avoiding any serious complications or side effects.
In order to consult a doctor before using Augmentin, make sure to use Oladocx.com
