Introduction
Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid, also known as Augmentin, is an antibiotic combination used in the treatment of an array of bacterial infections. The active ingredients in this medication are amoxicillin, a penicillin-type antibiotic, and clavulanic acid, a beta-lactamase inhibitor that helps to prevent antibiotic resistance.Uses
The primary uses of Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid are to treat bacterial infections caused by susceptible strains of bacteria. These include sinus infections, ear infections, respiratory infections, and urinary tract infections, among others. It may also be used as part of a combination therapy to treat stomach ulcers caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.Mechanism of Action
Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid work together to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fight the infection. Amoxicillin works by blocking the formation of bacterial cell walls. Clavulanic acid works by preventing bacteria from becoming resistant to amoxicillin, allowing the drug to combat the infection more effectively.How Long Does It Take To Work?
Most bacteria are usually killed within 48 hours of taking Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid, although this may vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. If symptoms persist, further medical attention should be sought.Absorption
Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration.Route of Elimination
Approximately 70% of the administered dose is eliminated via the urine within 6 hours. The remainder is eliminated via the feces.Dosage
Adults and children over 12 years:Tablet:
- The usual adult dose is one 625 mg Tablet every 12 hours or one 375 mg Tablet every 8 hours.
- For more severe infections and infections of the respiratory tract, the dose should be one 1 gm Tablet every 12 hours or one 625 mg Tablet every 8 hours.
- Children 6-12 years: 2 teaspoonful every 8 hours.
- Children 1-6years: 1 teaspoonful every 8 hours.
- Children below 1 year: 25 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours, for example a 7.5 kg child would require 2 ml suspension t.i.d, Treatment should not be extended beyond 14 days without review.
- The usual recommended daily dosage: 25/3.6 mg/kg/day in mild to moderate infections (upper respiratory tract infections e.g. recurrent tonsilitis, lower respiratory infections, and skin and soft tissue infections)।
- For serious infections: 45/6.4 mg/kg/day for the treatment of more serious infections (upper respiratory tract infections, e.g. otitis media and sinusitis, lower respiratory infections e.g. bronchopneumonia, and urinary tract infections).
Mild to moderate infections:
- 25/3.6 mg/kg/day (Suspension)
- 2-6 years (13-21 kg) 2.5 ml suspension b.i.d
- 7-12years (22-40kg) 5 ml suspension b.i.d
- 45/6.4 mg/kg/day (Forte Suspension)
- 2-6 years (13-21 kg) 5 ml suspension b.i.d
- 7-12 years (22-40 kg) 10 ml suspension b.i.d
Adults-
- Usually, 1.2 gm every 8 hours
- Increased in more serious infections to 1.2 gm every 6 hours
- For surgical prophylaxis: The usual dose is 1.2 gm at induction, for high risk procedures (eg. colorectal surgery) up to 2-3 gm may be given every 8 hours.
- 0 to 3 months: 30 mg/kg every 8 hours. (every 12 hours in the perinatal period and in premature infants.
- 3 months to 12 years: Usually 30 mg/kg every 8 hours increased in more serious infection to 30 mg/kg every 6 hours.
