What is Augmentin?
Augmentin is the drug in the group of penicillin medications, which is prescribed for the treatment of some bacterial infections in the body. The effect of the drug is achieved due to a combination of its active ingredients – amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate. The medication was first developed by British company Beecham Pharmaceuticals. Augmentin is considered by WHO as one of the essential medications required in a health system.
What are the indications for using Augmentin?
Augmentin is prescribed in treatment of the following health issues:
- Respiratory system bacterial infections. Augmentin is effective in the treatment of sinusitis, pneumonia, bronchitis and other similar health problems affecting patient’s ability to breathe.
- Urinary tract infections. This type of infections can affect any organ and part of the urinary system – urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys.
- Skin bacterial infections. Infections, which can be treated by Augmentin, include infected eczema, skin sepsis, infected traumas and such.
What is the dosage of Augmentin?
The pills of Augmentin come in the dosage of 375 mg, 500 mg, and 625 mg, but it should be mentioned that all of these dosages contain the same amount of potassium clavulanate. The standard dosage of Augmentin for an ordinary adult patient is 500 mg taken every 12. The dosage can be increased in the treatment of more severe conditions, which should be performed only after consultation with your medical advisor to avoid any adverse effects or to overdose.
What are the contraindications for using Augmentin?
Before starting your treatment with Augmentin, inform your health care specialists about any allergies or health issues you’ve dealt with in the past. The drug should not be consumed by patients allergic to penicillin or active ingredients of the drug (amoxicillin or potassium clavulanate) and by patients suffering from liver problems. Kidney problems and mononucleosis are also among contraindications for using Augmentin. Moreover, your medical advisor should be notified in case of your pregnancy, so that it could be determined if you’re allowed to take the drug.
What are the adverse effects of Augmentin?
Mild adverse effects of Augmentin include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, skin rash, headache and possible vaginal yeast infection. More serious adverse effects include agitation, loss of appetite, pain, fever, dark-colored urine and any severe skin reaction. In case of any of the mentioned reactions, don’t postpone your visit to a health care specialist.
