Augmentin (Amoxicillin / Clavulanate) – Patient Information

Augmentin is an antibiotic medicine used to treat certain bacterial infections. It combines two medicines:

• Amoxicillin – an antibiotic that kills bacteria by disrupting their cell walls.
• Clavulanate – a “beta-lactamase inhibitor” that helps amoxicillin work against bacteria that produce resistance enzymes.

This page is written to help you understand what Augmentin does, how it is used, and important safety information for people in the United Kingdom. Always follow the instructions provided with your medicine and seek advice if you are unsure.

Quick overview

What does Augmentin treat?

Augmentin is used for infections that are likely caused by bacteria that the medicine can target. It may be prescribed for conditions such as:

• Ear infections (otitis media)
• Sinus infections (sinusitis), including bacterial sinusitis
• Chest infections (e.g., acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis or community-acquired pneumonia—depending on local guidance)
• Dental infections (e.g., tooth abscesses with spreading infection, as judged clinically)
• Skin and soft tissue infections (e.g., infected wounds, cellulitis)
• Urinary tract infections in selected cases (based on susceptibility and clinical assessment)

Important: Antibiotics do not treat viruses. They won’t help for colds, flu, most sore throats, or viral bronchitis.

How Augmentin works (mechanism of action)

Amoxicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic. It interferes with how bacteria build their cell walls. Without a stable cell wall, susceptible bacteria cannot survive and multiply.

However, some bacteria can develop resistance by producing beta-lactamase enzymes that break down amoxicillin before it can work. That is where clavulanate comes in. Clavulanate binds to many of these beta-lactamase enzymes, helping protect amoxicillin and allowing it to remain effective.

In simple terms: Augmentin helps antibiotics work against bacteria that would otherwise resist amoxicillin alone.

Pharmacokinetics (how the body handles it)

“Pharmacokinetics” describes what happens to the medicine after you take it: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination.

• Absorption: Amoxicillin and clavulanate are absorbed from the gut. Taking Augmentin with food often improves tolerability and may help reduce stomach upset.
• Distribution: After absorption, components of the medicine reach many body tissues and fluids, including the respiratory tract and middle ear secretions, depending on inflammation and clinical context.
• Metabolism: Clavulanate is metabolised; amoxicillin is partly excreted unchanged.
• Elimination: Both components are cleared mainly via the kidneys. People with kidney impairment may require dose adjustments.

If you have kidney problems, it is particularly important that your healthcare professional uses the correct formulation and dose.

Typical dosing and how to take Augmentin

Formulations and strengths

Augmentin is available in different forms (for example, tablets and liquid suspensions) and in different strength combinations. The correct choice depends on the infection and the person’s age, weight, and kidney function.

Example strengths (not exhaustive):

• Augmentin 375 mg tablets/suspensions (typically used in certain settings)
• Augmentin 625 mg tablets (common for adult use in some indications)
• Augmentin ES/600 (often used in paediatric dosing where appropriate)

Do not substitute one strength for another without guidance, because the dosing schedule and total amounts may differ.

Typical timing

Augmentin is generally taken in divided doses (for example, twice daily or three times daily) depending on the formulation and your clinician’s plan.

• Take at regular intervals to keep antibiotic levels steady.
• With food: many people find the medicine is better tolerated when taken at the start of a meal.
• Finish the course unless advised otherwise. Stopping early may allow infection to return or persist.

Practical tips to help you take it correctly

• Use the measuring device provided for liquid medicine.
• Shake suspensions well if the label instructs so.
• Set reminders on your phone if you’re taking it more than once a day.
• Keep a consistent routine (e.g., after breakfast and after the evening meal).

Food interactions

Augmentin is often recommended to be taken with food. Food may:

• reduce the risk of nausea and diarrhoea
• improve overall tolerability

If you’re unable to eat, follow the advice given for your specific product. If you repeatedly experience severe stomach upset, speak to a healthcare professional.

Alcohol and medicine interactions

For most people, moderate alcohol does not have a clearly defined direct interaction with amoxicillin/clavulanate. However, there are important practical considerations:

• Illness itself: Alcohol may worsen dehydration and stomach upset, which antibiotics can already cause.
• Side effects: If you experience nausea, diarrhoea, or dizziness, alcohol may make these symptoms worse.
• Severity matters: If you are unwell, it is safer to avoid alcohol until you feel better.

General advice: If you choose to drink, consider avoiding it or keeping it minimal and monitor for side effects. If you have liver disease, are pregnant, or take other medicines, ask a clinician or pharmacist for personalised guidance.

Other medicine interactions

Augmentin can interact with some medicines. Examples include:

• Oral anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): Antibiotics may affect gut bacteria and clotting control in some people. Extra monitoring (such as INR checks) may be needed.
• Allopurinol: Some people may have a higher chance of skin rash when taking amoxicillin with allopurinol.
• Probenecid: May reduce elimination of amoxicillin, potentially increasing levels.
• Other antibiotics/medicines: Always check with a pharmacist if you’re taking multiple treatments.

If you are taking any regular medicines (including over-the-counter remedies, herbal products, or supplements), it is wise to review them with a pharmacist.

Safety profile: who should be careful

Do not take if you have had an allergy

Do not use Augmentin if you have had a serious allergic reaction to:

• penicillins
• cephalosporins (for some people, caution is needed)
• or any ingredient in Augmentin

Seek urgent medical help if you develop signs of allergy such as:

• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• breathing difficulties
• severe skin rash or blistering

Warnings and precautions

• History of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea: If you have previously had significant diarrhoea after antibiotics, discuss this before starting.
• Coagulation conditions: If you use blood-thinning medicine, you may need closer monitoring.
• Kidney impairment: Dose adjustment may be required.
• Infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever): Using amoxicillin in this context is associated with rash in some cases.

Common side effects

Most people tolerate Augmentin reasonably well. Common side effects include:

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Skin rash (usually mild, but seek advice if it is severe)

Serious side effects: when to get help

Contact a healthcare professional promptly (or seek urgent care) if you have any of the following:

• Severe or persistent diarrhoea, especially if watery or with blood
• Signs of liver problems (e.g., yellowing of eyes/skin, dark urine, severe fatigue)
• Allergic reactions as described above
• Unusual bruising or bleeding (particularly if on warfarin)
• Worsening symptoms after starting treatment

If a severe allergic reaction occurs, it is an emergency.

What to expect during treatment (effect and timing)

Many people start to feel some improvement within 48–72 hours after beginning antibiotics, depending on the infection type and severity.

• If you feel no improvement after a couple of days, or symptoms worsen, seek medical advice.
• Completing the full course is important even if you feel better.
• Keep an eye on hydration and rest—antibiotics work alongside supportive care.

Important: Fever or symptoms can sometimes take longer to settle even when the medicine is working. Clinical review may be needed if you are not improving.

Practical use tips (to get the best outcome)

• Take with food: especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Maintain consistent dosing times: regular intervals help maintain effective antibiotic levels.
• Don’t skip doses: if you miss a dose, follow the guidance on the packaging or from a pharmacist.
• Do not double up: usually you should not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose; ask if unsure.
• Store correctly as directed on the label (liquids often have specific storage and use-by requirements after opening).
• Keep track of the course: use a reminder system to ensure you complete it.

Alternative options (what else might be used)

Choice of antibiotic depends on the infection, local resistance patterns, allergies, pregnancy status, and whether the bacteria are likely to be susceptible. Alternatives may include:

• Penicillin antibiotics (when beta-lactamase resistance is not expected)
• Cephalosporins in selected cases (depending on your allergy history)
• Macrolides (e.g., for some respiratory or dental infections when penicillins are unsuitable)
• Other targeted antibiotics where appropriate based on clinical judgement and susceptibility

Non-antibiotic supportive care (such as pain relief, fluids, and monitoring) may also be recommended depending on the diagnosis. For some conditions, observation may be appropriate before antibiotics are started—this is decided by the clinician based on symptoms and guidelines.

UK market and legal context (overview)

In the United Kingdom, antibiotic medicines are regulated and must be used responsibly to reduce antimicrobial resistance. In line with UK practice, medicines like Augmentin are supplied through approved healthcare and pharmacy services.

Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health concern. Responsible prescribing aims to ensure antibiotics are used only when needed, and that the right antibiotic and dose are selected for the suspected or confirmed infection.

Authoritative guidance in the UK includes:

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommendations for antibiotic use in specific conditions
• Public Health England antimicrobial resistance advice and stewardship initiatives (now part of UKHSA structures)
• Local formulary and NHS antibiotic prescribing guidelines

Recent guidance (what clinicians commonly focus on)

While guidance can vary by condition, UK stewardship generally emphasises:

• Choosing antibiotics carefully based on diagnosis and likely bacterial cause
• Avoiding antibiotics for viral illness
• Using the shortest effective duration where appropriate
• Reviewing treatment if symptoms don’t improve
• Considering local resistance (which influences selection of amoxicillin/clavulanate versus other agents)

If you are unsure whether your infection is bacterial, a pharmacist or clinician can help assess symptoms and advise whether antibiotics are likely to be beneficial.

Delivery and availability in the UK

Augmentin is commonly available through UK pharmacy supply chains and may be offered in different strengths and forms depending on stock availability.

• Availability: In most cases, multiple strengths may be listed, but exact stock can vary.
• Delivery: Dispatch times and delivery options depend on the supplier and your location.
• Package contents: Check the strength and form on delivery to ensure it matches what you need.

Storage: Keep tablets/suspensions according to the label instructions, and store out of sight and reach of children.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

1) How soon will I feel better after starting Augmentin?

Many people notice some improvement within 48–72 hours. If you are not improving or you feel worse after this time, seek advice. Some infections (especially dental or deep infections) may require reassessment even if you start antibiotics.

2) Can I take Augmentin on an empty stomach?

You can, but it may increase the risk of stomach upset. It is often better to take it with food, especially if you’re prone to nausea or diarrhoea.

3) What should I do if I miss a dose?

Check the instructions on the packaging or the leaflet for your specific product. In general, do not take a double dose unless a pharmacist advises you to. If you’re unsure, ask a pharmacist for guidance.

4) Is Augmentin safe for children?

Augmentin can be used in children when appropriate, using a paediatric formulation and weight-based dosing. Liquid suspensions may be used, and it’s important to measure accurately. Always follow dosing instructions carefully.

5) Can I take Augmentin if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

Many antibiotics can be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding when needed, but the safest option depends on your specific situation. Speak to a clinician or pharmacist so they can consider your medical history and the infection type.

6) Does Augmentin work for all infections?

No. Augmentin is active against many bacterial infections, but it won’t treat viral infections such as colds or flu. The correct antibiotic depends on the most likely bacteria and resistance patterns.

7) What if I develop a rash?

Mild rashes can happen with antibiotics, but some rashes may indicate an allergy. If the rash is widespread, blistering, associated with breathing/swelling, or you feel unwell, seek urgent medical help. If you’re unsure, contact a pharmacist for advice.

8) Can I take probiotics with Augmentin?

Some people choose probiotics to support gut health during antibiotic treatment. Evidence varies by product and strains. If you want to use one, check with a pharmacist—especially if you are immunocompromised or have severe diarrhoea.

9) Will Augmentin cause diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is a common antibiotic side effect. If diarrhoea is mild, it may settle after finishing the course. Seek medical advice urgently if diarrhoea is severe, persistent, watery, or contains blood, or if you have fever or severe abdominal pain.

10) Can I take Augmentin with other medicines?

It can interact with certain medicines (for example, warfarin). Always provide your full medicine list to a pharmacist to check for interactions before starting.

Summary

Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) is a penicillin-based antibiotic designed to treat bacterial infections where resistance to amoxicillin may occur. It works by stopping bacterial cell wall formation and protecting amoxicillin from beta-lactamase enzymes using clavulanate.

For best results, take it regularly and with food where advised, complete the course as directed, and seek help if you experience signs of allergy or severe diarrhoea. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, it’s important to get medical advice to confirm the diagnosis and whether treatment needs review.