Augmentin

Generic Name : Augmentin, amoxicillin, penicillin]

The most well known group of medications for various infections is those within the group known as Augmentin, including Amoxicillin, Clavulanate, and penicillin. The group of medications are all derived from penicillin, therefore anyone with a sensitivity to penicillin will not be able to take any of these including augmentin, amoxicillin and clavulanate, and of course, penicillin itself. They are used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections and work by stopping the bacteria’s growth. It’s important to remember that Augmentin, Amoxicillin and clavulanate, and penicillin are only effective for treating bacterial infections and will not work for viral infections such as a cold of the flu.

Augmentin, Amoxicillin, clavulanate, and penicillin are taken orally with a meal or snack, most often every twelve hours, though individual doctor’s order may differ. In order for augmentin, amoxicillin, clavulanate, and penicillin to be the most effective, they should be taken at even intervals, so try to space your dosages evenly. Do not discontinue use if your symptoms dissipate, but finish the entire prescribed dosage regimen. Failing to follow the prescribed treatment plan may allow bacteria to continue to grow, therefore causing a relapse of the infection.

Augmentin, Amoxicillin and clavulanate, and penicillin have a few minor side effects that might occur during the first few days such as diarrhea, and nausea or vomiting. Once the body adjusts to the medications, the side effects should dissipate. In order to prevent stomach upset, it is recommended that Augmentin, Amoxicillin and clavulanate, and penicillin be taken with food.

In very rare cases, augmentin, amoxicillin, clavulanate, and penicillin can cause some rather serious side effects such as bruising or bleeding easily, persistent sore throat or fever, dark=colored urine, persistent nausea or vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or yellowing of the eyes of skin. Occasionally augmentin, amoxicillin, clavulanate, and penicillin may cause a severe intestinal condition known as pseudomenbranous colitis because of a resistant bacteria and may occur weeks after treatment has stopped. If you experience persistent diarrhea, severe abdominal pain/cramping, or blood in the stool, do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications as they may make the condition worse. Instead, contact the doctor immediately with a report of the symptoms you are experiencing.

Prolonged use of augmentin, amoxicillin, clavulanate, and penicillin may cause oral thrush or a vaginal yeast infection. If you notice white patches in your mouth or a change in vaginal discharge, advise the doctor of these changes.

If you have severe kidney disease/hemodialysis requirements or a history of liver problems, you should not use Augmentin, Amoxicillin, Clavulanate, and Penicillin. Additionally, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any of the medications or combinations or any other allergies you may have. Since kidney function declines with age, elderly people may be more sensitive to Augmentin, Amoxicillin, Clavulanate, and Penicillin.

Augmentin, Amoxicillin, Clavulanate, and Penicillin should be used with caution during pregnancy. Caution is also advised when given before delivery because of premature rupture of fetal membranes because there is a possible increased risk to the newborn from the use of Augmentin, Amoxicillin, Clavulanate, and Penicillin.

Be sure the doctor or pharmacist is aware of all non-prescription medications and herbal supplements that are being taken. Also, tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are taken probenecid because this slows the removal of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid from the body, causing higher levels of the antibiotic in the bloodstream. For hard to treat infections, the doctor may prescribe the two of these medications together.