Amoxicillin/Co-Amoxiclav

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Amoxil, Betamox, Moxypen, Zoxil

Popular combinations (with clavulanic acid):

Adco Amoxyclav BD, Amoclan, Augmaxcil, Augmentin, Bindoclav, Sandoz Co-Amoxyclav (dispersable)

Drug type:

Antibiotic - Penicillin

Prescription needed:

yes

What does it do?

• Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic
• It is used to treat a variety of infections: ENT (ear/nose/throat) infections, respiratory tract infections, cystitis, uncomplicated gonorrhoea, certain skin/soft tissue infections
• Amoxicillin is sometimes combined with clavulanic acid to make it effective against a wider range of bacteria than amoxicillin alone
• Amoxicillin/co-amoxiclav can provoke a severe allergic reaction with fever, swelling of the mouth and tongue, itching, and breathing difficulties.

How should it be used?

Amoxicillin should be taken with food.

What is the typical dosage?

Doses of co-amoxiclav are given as two numbers (e.g. 500/125 is 500mg amoxicillin plus 125mg clavulanic acid), and doses are written according to the amoxicillin component.

Dosage range depends on preparation and condition being treated.

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Tablets/capsules/liquid/powder (for suspension)
• Adults: usually 750mg–1.5g of amoxicillin daily, 2g twice daily for severe infections
• Children: dose according to age and weight

How quickly will it start to work?

1–2 hours
                                     

How long will the effects last?

Up to 8 hours
                  

When should I stop using it?

Complete the full course as prescribed by your doctor
                           

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Usually given only for short courses of treatment        

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: diarrhoea, nausea, mild abdominal discomfort
• Less common: jaundice (sometimes weeks or months after finishing treatment)
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: severe abdominal pain, unexplained bruising, rash, itching, wheezing or breathing difficulties, joint swelling

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: allergy to penicillin/cephalosporin antibiotics, glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis), liver problems
• Other medicines: Anticoagulant drugs, Allopurinol, oral contraceptives, oral typhoid vaccine
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: No evidence of risk
• Children: Reduced dose according to child’s weight
• Over 60: No known problems
• Driving and hazardous work: No known problems
• Alcohol: No known problems