Drugs

Augmentin: Efficacy, Side Effects, and Proper Usage

Author Bowtie Team

Updated on 2026-01-08

Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.

Antibiotics are essential for treating and preventing bacterial infections, with many types available. Augmentin is a commonly prescribed option. Pharmacist Victor details its efficacy, side effects, and correct usage methods in this guide.

What is Amoxicillin Clavulanate?

Amoxicillin Clavulanate is composed of two antibiotics: Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid. Amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics, which works by interfering with the bacterial cell wall structure to kill bacteria causing infections in the body. Clavulanic acid is a β-lactamase inhibitor that prevents bacteria from breaking down Amoxicillin, thereby reducing bacterial resistance to it. Amoxicillin Clavulanate is a prescription medication that can only be dispensed at a pharmacy with a doctor’s prescription. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and skin infections.

Who Should or Should Not Take Amoxicillin Clavulanate?

The following individuals may experience adverse reactions after taking Amoxicillin Clavulanate, so it is recommended to consult professionals such as doctors or pharmacists before use:

Allergic to Amoxicillin or Clavulanic acid
Allergic to penicillin or cephalosporin
Individuals with poor liver function or jaundice issues
Individuals with poor kidney function or those requiring hemodialysis
Women who are planning to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding
Individuals with mononucleosis

How to Take Amoxicillin Clavulanate? Methods and Dosage

Amoxicillin Clavulanate (Augmentin) is available in oral and injectable forms. Oral forms include tablets (1000mg, 625mg, or 375mg, containing 250mg, 500mg, or 875mg of Amoxicillin respectively) and syrup (156mg/5ml or 457mg/5ml, with each 5ml containing 125mg or 400mg of Amoxicillin). The injectable form includes intravenous or intramuscular injection (1200mg). Doctors will determine the required dosage and frequency based on factors such as the type and severity of infection, as well as liver and kidney function. Since Amoxicillin Clavulanate contains two components, the dosages below are calculated based on the Amoxicillin portion:

General dosage for adults or children weighing at least 40kg
- For milder infections: 500mg every 12 hours or 250mg every 8 hours
- For more severe infections (e.g., urinary tract infections with complications, sinusitis, middle ear infections, pneumonia): 875mg every 12 hours
Dosage for infants under three months
- Total daily dose of 30 mg/kg, divided into two doses, taken 12 hours apart
Dosage for children over three months and weighing less than 40kg
- For milder infections: Total daily dose of 25 mg/kg, divided into two doses, taken 12 hours apart
- For more severe infections (e.g., ear, lung, or sinus infections): Total daily dose of 45 mg/kg, divided into two doses, taken 12 hours apart

Which Medications Should Not Be Taken With Amoxicillin?

Improper use of antibiotics, such as skipping doses, not completing the full course, or taking them without instructions, can lead to antibiotic resistance, meaning the antibiotics can no longer kill or combat the bacteria causing the infection. Therefore, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and take the appropriate dose of Amoxicillin on time.

Taking Amoxicillin together with certain medications can cause negative effects, such as reduced efficacy. Common interacting drugs include:

Warfarin or other anticoagulant drugs
Methotrexate
Uric acid-lowering drugs (Allopurinol or Probenecid)

What Are the Common Side Effects of Amoxicillin?

Common side effects of Amoxicillin include:

Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Allergies
Skin reactions such as rashes or itching
Vaginal itching

How to Store Amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin should be stored in a cool and dry place. Unless specified on the medication label, it should not be kept in the refrigerator. Additionally, Amoxicillin should be stored safely out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Hong Kong, can Amoxicillin be purchased at pharmacies?

In Hong Kong, antibiotics including Amoxicillin require a doctor’s prescription to be dispensed at pharmacies.

What happens if you drink alcohol after taking Amoxicillin?

Drinking alcohol after taking Amoxicillin can affect the drug’s effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects, such as facial flushing, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, it could lead to myocardial infarction, acute heart failure, respiratory failure, or even death.

What are the consequences of overdosing on Amoxicillin?

Overdosing on Amoxicillin can lead to side effects such as decreased urine output, cloudy urine, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, rashes, drowsiness, reduced urine volume, or hyperactivity.

Data Sources

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Author

Bowtie Team

The Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited is an authorized life insurance company and Hong Kong’s very first virtual insurer approved. Through the use of modern technology and medical expertise, Bowtie offers an agent-free, commission-free and more convenient online platform for customers to quote, apply and claim for Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) anytime anywhere. Bowtie is ranked first in the direct channel sales throughout 2021. Stay up to date at www.bowtie.com.hk