Why is this drug prescribed?

Augmentin injection, tablets, dispersible tablets, suspension and Augmentin-duo suspension all contain the active ingredients amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, which together are known as co-amoxiclav. Co-amoxiclav is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic drug. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic, and clavulanic acid is a drug that prevents bacteria from inactivating the amoxicillin. Co-amoxiclav is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Amoxicillin works by interfering with the ability of bacteria to form cell walls. The cell walls of bacteria are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering their cells and stop the contents of their cells from leaking out. Amoxicillin impairs the bonds that hold the bacterial cell wall together. This allows holes to appear in the cell walls and kills the bacteria. Certain bacteria are resistant to penicillin-type antibiotics, because they have developed the ability to produce defensive chemicals called beta-lactamases. These interfere with the structure of penicillin-type antibiotics and stop them from working. Clavulanic acid is a type of drug known as a beta-lactamase inhibitor. It is included in this drug because it inhibits the action of the beta-lactamases produced by certain bacteria. It prevents these bacteria from inactivating the amoxicillin, and leaves the bacteria susceptible to attack. Clavulanic acid therefore increases the range of bacteria that amoxicillin can kill. Co-amoxiclav is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that kills a wide variety of bacteria that cause a wide variety of commonly-occuring infections. Co-amoxiclav may be used to treat infections of the upper or lower airways, skin or soft tissue, or ears. It may also be used to treat urine infections, certain sexually-transmitted infections, dental infections, and infections affecting the blood or internal organs. To make sure the bacteria causing an infection are susceptible to co-amoxiclav, your doctor may take a tissue sample, for example a swab from the throat or skin, or a urine or blood sample. Co-amoxiclav injection is used to treat more serious infections, or in cases where the drug can't be taken by mouth. It may also given to prevent infection following surgery, particularly gastrointestinal, pelvic, major head and neck surgery and after limb amputation. The injection is given by injection or infusion into a vein.

Treatments

* Bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract eg sinusitis * Bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract eg bronchitis, pneumonia * Bacterial infections of the ears, nose or throat, eg otitis media, tonsillitis * Bacterial infections of the urinary tract, in particular recurrent cystitis * Bacterial infections of the genital organs, including those following childbirth or abortion * Bacterial infections inside the abdomen, eg peritonitis * Bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissue, eg cellulitis, animal bites * Dental abscesses * Preventing infections following surgery

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Diarrhoea * Indigestion * Nausea * Vomiting * Overgrowth of the yeast Candida, which may cause infection such as thrush * Allergic skin reactions such as rash, itching * Yellowing of the skin and eyes * Inflammation of the liver * Blood disorders * Tooth discolouration, mainly with the suspension - this can be removed by brushing * Inflammation of the wall of a vein with a blood clot forming in the affected segment of vein - injection only * Dizziness * Headache * Hyperactivity * Convulsions * Severe allergic reactions, eg anaphylaxis