Description
Augmentin is a penicillin antibiotic. (USA)Augmentin contains a combination of amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called penicillins. Amoxicillin fights bacteria in the body. Clavulanate potassium is a form of clavulanic acid, which is similar to penicillin. Clavulanate potassium fights bacteria that is often resistant to penicillins and other antibiotics. Augmentin is used to treat many infections caused by bacteria, such as sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. Augmentin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Important information Do not use Augmentin if you are allergic to amoxicillin or clavulanate potassium, or if you have ever had liver problems caused by this medicine. Do not use if you are allergic to any other penicillin antibiotics, such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Dispermox, Moxatag), ampicillin (Principen, Unasyn), dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen), oxacillin (Bactocill), or penicillin (Bicillin LA, PC Pen VK, Pfizerpen), and others. Before taking Augmentin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease (or a history of hepatitis or jaundice), kidney disease, or mononucleosis, or if you are allergic to a cephalosporin antibiotic such as cefdinir (Omnicef), cefprozil (Cefzil), Cefuroxime (Ceftin) in USA, cephalexin (Keflex) and others. If you switch from one tablet to another (regular, chewable or prolonged-release tablet), take only the new form and the new tablet form prescribed for you. This medicine may not work as well or could be harmful if you do not use the exact tablet your doctor has prescribed.Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without first telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Augmentin can make birth control pills less effective in USA. Ask your doctor about using a nonhormonal birth control method (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking Augmentin.
