Augmentin (Amoxicillin-Clavulanate): What You Need to Know
Augmentin combines two ingredients: amoxicillin, a penicillin-type antibiotic, and clavulanate potassium, a compound that blocks bacterial resistance. This combination treats infections that plain amoxicillin cannot handle alone. It is commonly prescribed after dental procedures, skin infections, bite wounds, sinus infections, and some post-surgical infections.
What Augmentin Treats and How It Works
Augmentin covers a broader range of bacteria than plain amoxicillin because clavulanate blocks the enzyme (beta-lactamase) that some bacteria use to destroy antibiotics.
Common uses: skin and soft tissue infections, dental abscesses, animal or human bite wounds, sinusitis, ear infections, and certain post-surgical wound infections.
It is not effective against viral infections such as the common cold, flu, or COVID-19.
Two common dose strengths are prescribed: 875 mg/125 mg twice daily or 500 mg/125 mg three times daily. Your provider will choose based on the type and severity of infection.
Complete the full course even if you feel better. Stopping early allows resistant bacteria to survive and multiply.
How to Take Augmentin Correctly
Always take Augmentin with food. Taking it on an empty stomach significantly increases the chance of nausea and diarrhea.
Space doses evenly throughout the day. For twice-daily dosing, take approximately 12 hours apart. For three-times-daily, take approximately 8 hours apart.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Never double up.
Store tablets at room temperature away from moisture. Refrigerate liquid suspension and shake well before each dose. Discard any liquid suspension remaining after 10 days.
If you are prescribed a probiotic to take alongside Augmentin, separate the doses by at least 2 hours.
Side Effects and What to Watch For
Diarrhea is the most common side effect and occurs more often with Augmentin than with plain amoxicillin because of the clavulanate component. Taking it with food and using probiotics can reduce this.
Nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps may occur. These usually improve after the first 2 to 3 days.
Yeast infections (oral thrush or vaginal candidiasis) can develop because Augmentin also kills beneficial bacteria. Speak with your provider if symptoms appear.
Severe diarrhea with blood, mucus, or fever can signal a Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. Stop the antibiotic and contact your provider immediately if this occurs.
Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency care immediately. Patients with penicillin allergy should not take Augmentin without medical clearance.
Mild skin rash that appears 5 to 10 days into treatment may indicate a drug reaction rather than a true allergy. Contact your provider to determine whether to continue the medication.
Important Drug Interactions
Warfarin (a blood thinner): Augmentin can raise warfarin levels and increase bleeding risk. Extra INR monitoring may be required.
Methotrexate: Augmentin can slow methotrexate elimination and increase its toxicity. Notify your provider if you take methotrexate.
Oral contraceptives: although the evidence for reduced contraceptive effectiveness is weak, some providers advise using backup contraception during antibiotic therapy.
Probenecid (used for gout): slows the removal of amoxicillin from the body and can raise drug levels. Notify your provider if you take this medication.
Allopurinol (used for gout): combined use increases the risk of skin rash. Inform your provider before taking Augmentin if you are on allopurinol.
Frequently asked
Questions patients ask.
Why was I prescribed Augmentin instead of plain amoxicillin?
Augmentin is prescribed when the infecting bacteria are known or suspected to produce beta-lactamase, an enzyme that destroys plain amoxicillin. Common examples include bite wounds, skin abscesses, and some ear or sinus infections. The clavulanate in Augmentin blocks this enzyme so the amoxicillin can work.
Is it normal to have a lot of diarrhea with Augmentin?
Loose stools and diarrhea are very common with Augmentin due to the clavulanate component. Taking the medication with food, staying hydrated, and using a probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii) can reduce severity. If diarrhea is severe, contains blood, or is accompanied by fever, contact your provider immediately.
I am allergic to penicillin. Can I take Augmentin?
No. Augmentin contains amoxicillin, which is a penicillin-type antibiotic. Patients with a confirmed penicillin allergy should not take Augmentin without specific medical evaluation. Inform your provider and pharmacist of any antibiotic allergy before starting this medication.
Can I stop taking Augmentin early if I feel better?
No. Stopping early leaves some bacteria alive. Surviving bacteria can develop resistance or cause a relapse of infection that is harder to treat. Complete the entire prescribed course unless your provider tells you to stop.
For patients
Get a personalized care plan.
This guide provides general information. For instructions tailored to your specific procedure, ask your provider about QR Rx care plans.
These medication guides are for educational purposes only and do not replace medical advice. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific medication instructions.
