When you go to the doctor for something other than a cold, such as a fever, cough, sore throat, or an abscessed wound, you may have been prescribed a large, white or yellow pill. Its name may be something like Augmentin or Co-amoxiclav. This is a very commonly prescribed antibiotic. So today, let's learn more about this medicine, which is a combination of Amoxicillin and Clavulanic Acid.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, this is a medicine that is given to treat bacterial infections . There is a combination of two types of medicine here.
1. Amoxicillin: This is the main antibiotic. That is, a medicine that kills bacteria. It belongs to the penicillin group of antibiotics.
2. Clavulanic Acid: Some tricky bacteria can make an enzyme that destroys amoxicillin. Then amoxicillin won't work. That's what clavulanic acid does, inactivating that enzyme. It's like a soldier protecting the soldier named amoxicillin.
Important: This medicine only works for bacterial infections. It will not help with viral infections like the common cold or flu. Therefore, use it only if prescribed by a doctor.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, it is important to tell them if you have any of the conditions below, as this is very important for your safety.
- Kidney disease: If you have kidney disease, the rate at which this medicine is cleared from your body may change. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose.
- Liver disease: Tell your doctor if you have had liver problems after taking this medicine in the past or if you have any other liver disease.
- Mononucleosis: This is a viral infection. If a person with this condition takes this medicine, they may develop a severe skin rash.
- Intestinal diseases: Tell us if you have inflammatory bowel conditions such as colitis.
- Allergies: This is very important. If you have ever had an allergy to other antibiotics such as amoxicillin, penicillin, cephalosporin, clavulanic acid, any other medicine, food, or artificial coloring, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: Inform your doctor about this as well.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: This medication can pass to your baby through breast milk, so talk to your doctor about that as well.
How should I use this medicine?
To get the most out of the medicine, it is essential to use it correctly.
- Take with food: It is best to take this medicine at the start of a meal or during a meal . This will greatly reduce the risk of stomach upset and nausea.
- Don't break or crush the pill: Especially the types of pills labeled 'XR' (Extended-Release) are designed to release the medication into the body over time. If you break or crush the pill, that process is disrupted, and all the medication is released into the body at once, which can increase side effects. So swallow the pill whole with water.
- Take it on time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day, if possible.
- Complete the course: This is the most important thing. Even if you feel better after two or three days, take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor. If you stop, the disease may return and resistant bacteria may develop.
If you give it to children...
This medicine is sometimes prescribed for children, but there are special precautions. Therefore, it is imperative to follow the doctor's instructions.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic and immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other medications that may interact with the medicine
If you are taking medication for other conditions, it may interact with this medicine. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and Ayurvedic medicines). Be especially careful if you are taking the following medications:
- Allopurinol - a medicine for gout
- Anticoagulants - e.g. Warfarin
- Birth control pills
- Methotrexate
- Probenecid
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Pay attention to symptoms: If your symptoms don't improve or get worse, tell your doctor.
- Severe skin reactions: This medicine can sometimes (rarely) cause a severe skin reaction. This can happen weeks after starting the medicine. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop red/purple skin rashes with fever or flu-like symptoms, which then blister and peel off, or if you develop red skin rashes with swelling of the face, lips, neck or armpits.
- Diarrhea: Some people may experience diarrhea while taking antibiotics. However, if it lasts more than 2 days, is severe, and is watery, do not take over-the-counter medication and talk to your doctor.
- Diabetes: If you are diabetic, you may get false-positive results when testing your urine for sugar while taking this medication. Talk to your doctor about this.
- Birth control pills: This medication may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Therefore, consult your doctor about using an additional form of birth control.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergy | Skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, extreme fatigue. |
| Skin blisters/peeling | Redness, blistering, or peeling of the skin, including inside the mouth. |
| Severe diarrhea | Profuse, watery diarrhea with fever. |
| Vaginal changes | Women may experience unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor (yeast infection). |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Normal diarrhea | Mild, non-severe diarrhea. |
| Nausea | Stomach discomfort. |
| Vomiting | Vomiting. |
How do you store your medicine?
- Keep away from children: Always keep medicines out of the reach of small children and pets.
- Store at room temperature: Typically, store at a temperature between 20-25 degrees Celsius. Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
- Throw away after expiration: Check the expiration date on the medication and throw away any medication that has passed the expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine should only be used if prescribed by a doctor. And that too only for bacterial infections.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and medications you are taking, especially any penicillin allergies.
- Take the medicine at the start of a meal. Swallow the tablet whole, without breaking or crushing it.
- Even if you feel better, take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed by the doctor.
- If you experience severe skin rashes, severe diarrhea, or other severe allergic symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any further questions about this medication, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.
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