Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate

Information about Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate

Amoxycillin + potassium clavulanate uses

Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate is used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It is used for the short-term treatment of bacterial infection eg. tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media, acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, lobar and bronchopneumonia, cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis, boils, abscesses, cellulitis, wound infection, osteomyelitis, dentoalveolar abscess.

How amoxycillin + potassium clavulanate works

This is a combination of two medicines: Amoxycillin and Potassium Clavulanate. Amoxycillin is an antibiotic. It works by preventing the formation of the bacterial protective covering which is essential for the survival of bacteria. Potassium Clavulanate is a beta-lactamase inhibitor which reduces resistance and enhances the activity of Amoxycillin against bacteria.

Common side effects of amoxycillin + potassium clavulanate

Rash, Vomiting, Allergic reaction, Nausea, Diarrhea

Available Medicine for Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate

    Expert advice for Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate

    • You have been prescribed this combination medicine to treat bacterial infections even if they have developed resistance. 
    • Finish the prescribed course, even if you start to feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection come back and harder to treat.
    • Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Taking probiotics along with Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate may help. Talk to your doctor if you notice bloody stools or develop abdominal cramps.
    • Take it with food and plenty of fluids to avoid an upset stomach.
    • Stop taking Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate and inform your doctor immediately if you develop an itchy rash, swelling of the face, throat or tongue or breathing difficulties while taking it.
    • Do not use leftover medicine for treating any infection in the future. Always consult your doctor before taking any antibiotic.

    Frequently asked questions for Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate

    Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate

    Q. What is Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate?
    Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate is a combination of two medicines: Amoxacillin and Potassium Clavulanate. This is used for the treatment of bacterial infection by killing the harmful bacteria that cause infection. It is used for the short-term treatment of bacterial infection eg. tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, boils, abscesses, cellulitis, wound infection, osteomyelitis, and dentoalveolar infections.
    Q. Is it safe to use Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate?
    Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate is safe to use when taken as advised by the doctor. However, in some patients, it may cause common side effects like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, allergic reaction and other uncommon or rare side effects. Inform your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any persistent problem while taking this medicine.
    Q. Can I stop taking Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate when my symptoms are relieved?
    No, do not stop taking Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate before you finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. So, it is important to take this medicine for the duration as advised by the doctor.
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    Q. Can the use of Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate cause diarrhea?
    Yes, the use of Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate can cause diarrhea. It is an antibiotic and kills the harmful bacteria, however, it also affects the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine and causes diarrhea. In case, you experience diarrhea, drink plenty of water or other fluids. Talk to your doctor if you have persistent diarrhea and any signs of dehydration like less frequency of urination with dark colored and strong-smelling urine. Do not take any other medicine without consulting a doctor.
    Q. Can the use of name cause an allergic reaction?
    Yes, Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate can cause an allergic reaction and is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to penicillins. Get emergency medical help if you have any of the signs of an allergic reaction like hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
    Q. Are there any specific contraindications associated with the use of Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate?
    The use of Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to penicillins or any other excipient. It should not be used in patients with the history of liver disease.
    Q. Can the use of Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate affect the efficacy of oral contraceptive pills?
    Yes, use of Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate can lower the efficacy of birth control pills. Ask your doctor about using some other methods of contraception (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) while you are taking Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate.
    Q. Can I take a higher dose of Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate than recommended?
    No, taking higher than recommended dose of Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate can lead to increased side effects. Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate takes time to show its full effect and treat your infection. If you are experiencing increased severity of your symptoms, please consult your doctor for re-evaluation.
    Q. Does Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate expire?
    Yes, Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate does expire. Please check the expiry date written on the pack of this medicine. Do not use Amoxycillin + Potassium Clavulanate after the expiry date.

    Content on this page was last updated on 18 February, 2020, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)