Warnings & Recalls for Augmentin
Augmentin and Pregnancy
Augmentin is classified as an
FDA pregnancy Category B drug. Augmentin is
not known to cause any harm to the fetus during pregnancy. Augmentin
may be transferred through
breastmilk. If you are
pregnant,
planning to become pregnant or are
breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using
Augmentin.
Augmentin may
decrease the effectiveness of
contraceptives. If you are taking
birth control, ask your doctor if Augmentin is safe to use; you may be asked to begin using
non-hormonal birth control.
General Warnings
In
May of 2008, the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved label changes to Augmentin. This adjustment included a
warning about the possibility of
Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea during treatment.
Before taking Augmentin, let your doctor know if you have:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- mononucleosis
- any allergies, especially to penicillin
- been taking any other medications, supplements, vitamins or herbal products
Augmentin Interactions
Do not take
"live vaccines" while using Augmentin. These vaccinations may be
less effective when combined with Augmentin.
Taking
probenecid while using Augmentin can result in high levels of Augmentin in your blood.
Augmentin may interact with
methotrexate. Taking the two together may cause methotrexate to
retain in your blood and lead to
dangerous levels of this medicine in your body.
Let your doctor know if you are taking
probenecid or
methotrexate; you may be asked to
have your blood checked regularly to monitor levels of these medications.
Augmentin Treatment and Use
Augmentin | amoxicillin and clavulanic acid is a penicillin-class antibiotic marketed by GlaxoSmithKline for treating bacterial infections and preventing the occurrence of drug-resistant bacterial strains. Augmentin may be used for treating:
- sinus infections
- lower respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis
- infections of the ear
- urinary tract infections
- infections of the skin
Augmentin does not treat or prevent viral infections.
How Does Augmentin Work?
Augmentin works by releasing amoxicillin to prevent the formation of cell walls in bacteria. By blocking this function, bacteria is not able to reproduce or live any longer. Augmentin kills bacteria and can end an infection. Clavulanic acid in Augmentin aids in the process by keeping bacteria from growing resistant to the amoxicillin.
How Should Augmentin Be Taken?
Augmentin is available in tablet, oral suspension (liquid), and intravenous forms. Dose amounts vary based on medical condition and your body’s response to Augmentin. Augmentin tablets are usually taken once in 8 to 12 hour intervals. While taking Augmentin, be sure to take the medicine at evenly spaced periods to keep a constant level of medicine in your body. Do not stop taking Augmentin until you have finished the full prescription cycle. If the treatment is ended early, the infection may become resistant and reappear.
Ask your doctor for dosage information specific to your treatment.
