Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid

Generic Details

Generic Name

Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid

Other Names

  • Co-amoxiclav
  • Augmentin

Drug Class

  • Antibiotic

Chemical Formula

C16H19N3O5S (Amoxicillin) + C8H9NO5 (Clavulanic Acid)

Molecular Weight

419.45 g/mol (Amoxicillin) + 199.18 g/mol (Clavulanic Acid)

Mechanism of Action

  • Amoxicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins.
  • Clavulanic acid inhibits bacterial beta-lactamases, enzymes that can inactivate amoxicillin.

Indications

  • Sinusitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Skin and soft tissue infections
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Otitis media

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablets
  • Chewable tablets
  • Suspension

Typical Dosage

  • 250-500 mg of amoxicillin with 125 mg of clavulanic acid every 8 hours

Pediatric Dosage

  • Dosing based on weight and severity of infection

Geriatric Dosage

  • Adjust dosage based on renal function

Side Effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Skin rash
  • Hypersensitivity reactions

Contraindications

  • History of severe allergic reactions to penicillins or cephalosporins

Pregnancy Category

  • Category B - Generally considered safe to use during pregnancy

Lactation Safety

  • Low risk, excreted in breast milk in small amounts

Drug Interactions

  • Probenecid - may increase amoxicillin levels
  • Allopurinol - increased the risk of skin rash

Overdose Symptoms

  • Severe skin reactions
  • Seizures
  • Diarrhea

Antidote for Overdose

  • Supportive care and symptomatic treatment

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Well-absorbed orally
  • Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues and fluids
  • Metabolism: Partially metabolized in the liver
  • Excretion: Excreted primarily in urine

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with a history of liver dysfunction

Warnings

  • May cause Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD)
  • Prolonged use may result in fungal superinfections

Others

  • This combination is often used to broaden the spectrum of antibacterial activity and combat resistant strains of bacteria.