About Augmentin 375 mg
Augmentin is a powerful antibiotic medication that combines two active ingredients: Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid. Amoxicillin belongs to the Penicillin antibiotics class of medications, whereas Clavulanic acid belongs to Beta-lactamase inhibitors.
Augmentin 375 is manufactured by Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd and is available in tablet form.
Uses & benefits of Augmentin 375
Augmentin 375mg is prescribed for the treatment of various infections, including:
- Respiratory infections: It can help combat infections of the respiratory tract, such as Sinusitis, Bronchitis, and Pneumonia
- Ear infections: Augmentin is effective against ear infections, including Otitis media
- Urinary Tract Infections: It can be used to treat infections of the urinary tract, including Cystitis
- Skin and soft tissue infections: Augmentin is useful for skin and soft tissue infections like Cellulitis
- Dental infections: It is prescribed for dental infections like dental abscesses
The main benefits of Augmentin 375 mg include:
- Broad-spectrum effectiveness: Augmentin is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms
- Convenient dosage: The 375 mg formulation allows for flexible dosing options, making it suitable for various age groups
- Combination therapy: The Augmentin 375 composition of Clavulanic acid with Amoxicillin helps in inhibiting bacterial resistance mechanisms, thus increasing the spectrum of activity
How does Augmentin work?
Augmentin tablets combine the functions of two active components:
Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that functions by disrupting the construction of bacterial cell walls. When cell walls are not correctly formed, bacteria become structurally fragile and are unable to maintain their shape and integrity. This disruption makes the bacteria more susceptible to attack and destruction by the immune system.
Clavulanic acid
Clavulanic acid is a medication used in conjunction with antibiotics such as Amoxicillin to enhance their efficacy against bacteria.
Its mode of action involves inhibiting bacterial enzymes known as Beta-lactamases, which certain bacteria produce to counteract Amoxicillin.
Beta-lactamases can break down these antibiotics, making them ineffective. Clavulanic acid works as a "Beta-lactamase inhibitor," preventing bacteria from degrading Amoxicillin. This ensures that Amoxicillin can continue its task of disrupting bacterial cell walls.
The effective combination enhances the capacity to target a broader spectrum of bacteria and elevates the overall effectiveness of the antibiotic blend against bacterial infections.
How to take Augmentin?
Augmentin tablets are typically taken orally with water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets unless directed by your healthcare provider. Taking this medication with food is advisable to minimize the risk of stomach upset.
Follow your doctor's prescribed schedule for regular, evenly-spaced doses. Try to take the medication at the same time to help you remember to take it.
Dosage of Augmentin 375
The dosage of Augmentin will depend on what you are being treated for.
Follow the prescribed dosing schedule, and complete the entire course of medicine even if you start feeling better before the medication is finished. Stopping treatment prematurely can allow surviving bacteria to cause a recurrence or worsening of the infection.
Missed dose
If a dose of Augmentin is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered.
However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be resumed. Doubling up on doses to compensate for a missed dose is not recommended.
Overdose
In case of an overdose of Augmentin 375mg, immediate medical attention should be sought.
Overdose symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dizziness. It is essential to inform healthcare providers of the exact amount of medication ingested and seek appropriate supportive care.
Side effects of Augmentin 375
Augmentin is generally well tolerated when taken as prescribed by the doctor, but like any medication, it may cause side effects in some individuals. Here’s a list of side effects of Amoxicillin Clavulanate 375 mg:
| Less common | Rare | Incident not known |
| Hives or welts | Bloody or cloudy urine | Back, leg, or stomach pains |
| Itching | Fever | Bleeding gums |
| Pain during sexual intercourse | Greatly decreased frequency of urination or amount of urine | Yellow eyes or skin |
| Redness of the skin | Seizures | White patches in the mouth or throat or on the tongue |
| Thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor | Swelling of the feet or lower legs | Trouble breathing |
Note: This is not a complete list of Augmentin side effects. Kindly consult your doctor upon noticing some unusual side effects or if any side effects persist or worsen over time.
Strength & alternatives
Augmentin is available in different strengths and formulations, such as:
Moreover, there are several antibiotic medications that may be used as alternatives for Augmentin 375. Here’s a list of them:
Interactions
It is common to see medications interacting with other drugs, diseases, or food items. Here are some interactions of Augmentin:
Drug interactions
There are 70 drugs known to interact with Sildenafil, among which 14 are major, 48 are moderate, and 8 are minor. Here’s a list of some of the medications that can interact with Augmentin:
- Azithromycin
- Doxycycline
- Ibuprofen
- Lisinopril
- Metformin
- Tramadol
- Gabapentin
Disease interactions
There are 7 known disease interactions of Augmentin that may affect its safety and efficacy. It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing medical conditions you have, especially:
- Hepatotoxicity
- Colitis
- Mononucleosis
- Diabetes
- Renal dysfunction
- Hemodialysis
- Phenylketonuria
Food interactions
Augmentin is not known to have any significant food interactions.
Precautions
Before taking Augmentin 375, certain precautions should be considered:
- Augmentin tablets should not be used in children below 12 years of age
- Do not take the tablet if you are allergic to Amoxicillin or any other ingredients in the medication
- Clearly inform your doctor if you take any medication, herbal products, or nutritional supplements. Also, mention if you are suffering from any disease, disorder, or syndrome
- Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
- Avoid engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving after taking Augmentin
- Augmentin should be used with caution if you have a liver or kidney disease
Storage
Store Augmentin 375 mg tablets in a cool (below 30°C), dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. The medication should be kept in its original packaging and out of reach of pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still take Augmentin 375mg if I have had a previous allergic reaction to Penicillin?
No, if you have had a previous allergic reaction to Penicillin, it is not advisable to take Augmentin 375mg or any other medication containing Penicillin or its derivatives. Please inform your healthcare provider about your allergy history for appropriate alternative treatment options.
Is it safe to use the Augmentin 375 tablet?
Augmentin 375 tablets can be safe and effective when prescribed by a healthcare professional for bacterial infections. However, it may not be suitable for individuals with certain allergies or medical conditions. Always follow your doctor's advice and inform them of any allergies or concerns.
What is Augmentin 375 mg used for?
Augmentin 375 mg is used to treat various bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, ear infections, Urinary Tract Infections, skin and soft tissue infections, dental infections, and bone infections. It is prescribed by healthcare professionals based on the specific type and severity of the infection.
Can Augmentin 375 be given to children?
Augmentin 375 mg is typically prescribed for adults and children over 12 years old. For younger children, pediatric formulations with appropriate dosage strengths are available.
Is Amoxicillin Clavulanate a strong antibiotic?
Amoxicillin Clavulanate is considered a broad-spectrum antibiotic with strong efficacy against many bacterial infections. It is often used for a wide range of conditions, but the specific strength of an antibiotic can vary based on the type of infection and individual circumstances.