This combination medication is used to treat a wide
variety of bacterial infections. It is known as a penicillin-type
antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and each
time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a vein as
directed by your doctor, usually every 8 or 12 hours. The dosage is based
on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is
also based on weight.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all
preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional.
Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either
is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical
supplies safely.
Give aminoglycosides (such as gentamicin) separately
from this medication. Do not mix together in the same IV
fluid.
For the best effect, use this antibiotic at evenly
spaced times. To help you remember, use this medication at the same time(s)
every day.
Continue to use this medication until the full
prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days.
Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the
infection.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur. If
any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- pain/swelling at injection site
- difficult/painful urination
- easy bruising/bleeding
- signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark
urine)
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal
condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur
during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your
doctor right away if you develop:
- diarrhea that doesn't stop
- abdominal or stomach pain/cramping
- blood/mucus in your stool
If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or
opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.
This medication may sometimes cause oral thrush or a new
yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your
mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new
symptoms.
Amoxicillin can commonly cause a mild rash that is
usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a
rare rash that could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Get medical
help right away if you develop any rash.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- fever that doesn't go away
- new or worsening lymph node swelling
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to penicillin or cephalosporin
antibiotics; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain
inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- viral infections (such as infectious mononucleosis)
- kidney disease
- liver disease (especially if caused by past use of
amoxicillin/clavulanic acid)
This medication may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
This medication contains sodium. Consult your doctor or
pharmacist if you are on a salt-restricted diet or if you have a condition
that could be worsened by an increase in salt intake (such as heart
failure).
This medication may cause live bacterial vaccines (such
as typhoid vaccine) to not work well. Tell your health care professional
that you are using this medication before having any
immunizations/vaccinations.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as certain urine glucose tests), possibly causing false test results.
Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this
drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
seizures.
If you are using this medication for a longer time, lab
tests (such as kidney function, complete blood count) may be done while you
are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult
your doctor for more details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for
storage details. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.