How Long Does Augmentin Take to Work: Instant Relief or Long-Lasting Effect?
Some bacterial infections are so hard to eliminate that even Amoxicillin fails to clear them. In such cases, Augmentin comes into action.
Your doctor might have prescribed you this effective antibiotic to treat infections caused by resistant bacteria. In addition to Amoxicillin, it contains Clavulanic Acid, which extends the treatment spectrum and increases effectiveness. The dual ingredients ensure that the fast-acting drug starts working almost immediately, but when does the peak effectiveness kick in? When do you start seeing improvements?
It is natural to have these questions if you are undergoing Augmentin treatment, and we are here to answer them. Still wondering how long does it take for Augmentin to work? Follow the article and find out!
How does Augmentin work
Augmentin is a combination of dual ingredients: Amoxicillin and Clavulanic Acid. Both drugs have a different purpose to serve.
Amoxicillin attaches to the cell walls of the bacteria, blocking its construction and killing it. On the other hand, Clavulanic Acid has no or negligible antimicrobial activity.It works by improving the antimicrobial effects of Amoxicillin. Moreover, it helps overcome the resistance a bacteria has built towards Amoxicillin.
So, Augmentin works to stop the cell wall construction of resistant bacteria and kill them through the antimicrobial activity of Amoxicillin, which is improved and sustained by Clavulanic Acid.
How fast does Augmentin work
According to the trusted pharmaceutical information source drugs.com, Augmentin reaches full effectiveness within 1.5 hours of consumption. However, it can take up to 48 hours for you to see some improvement.
How long does Augmentin stay in the body
Antibiotics generally stay in the body from a few hours to a few days after administration. For Augmentin, 50 to 70 percent of Amoxicillin and 25 to 40 percent Clavulanic Acid are flushed out in 6 hours after you take a single dose regimen of 250 or 500 mg tablet.
What to do if you miss a dose of Augmentin
If you missed a dose of Augmentin, try taking it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time to take the next dose, skip the missed one and continue the rest as per the regular prescription. Avoid taking double doses in such cases.
What helps when taking Augmentin
To preserve the effectiveness of Augmentin, you must take it at the start of a meal for better absorption. This can also prevent side effects like an upset stomach.
Augmentin has various forms, such as regular, chewable, and long-acting tablets or a suspension. Mostly, these are taken every eight hours (thrice a day) or every 12 hours (twice a day).
Other minimal details for ensuring the effectiveness and avoiding side effects of Augmentin are:
- Do not crush extended-release (long-acting) tablets
- Shake the liquid before use
- Chew the chewable tablets well
- Do not take two 250 mg tablets instead of a single 500 mg tablet, as both variants have the same amount of Clavulanic Acid, i.e. (125 mg). So, they should not be substituted
- Have the tablets with a glass full of water
For better results and minimizing risk, stick to the Augmentin dosage recommended by your doctor. Complete the entire prescribed course even if you feel better to clear the infection.
Conclusion
Augmentin is a combination of drugs Amoxicillin and Clavulanic Acid, which kills bacteria and even works on resistant strains. It starts working almost immediately after administration. However, it reaches full effectiveness after 1.5 hours.
You may not observe improvement instantly after consumption. It may take up to 48 hours for the symptoms to improve.
A doctor may prescribe you a dose of 250 or 500 mg tablet every eight or twelve hours as not all of it remains in the body. After 6 hours, about 70 percent Amoxicillin and 40 percent Clavulanic Acid are flushed out.
To ensure effective and best results, have your medicine at the start of a meal to boost absorption. Remember to stick to the recommended dosage and have a glass of water with a tablet to avoid side effects like upset stomach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Augmentin work in the body?
Augmentin works by stopping the further growth of bacteria and killing it. The antimicrobial activity of Augmentin is mostly due to Amoxicillin. On the other hand, Clavulanic Acid ensures that the medicine works against more types of bacteria. It also prevents bacteria from destroying Amoxicillin.
How does Augmentin work on bacteria?
Augmentin works on bacteria by stopping its growth. Amoxicillin sticks to the cell wall of bacteria, preventing growth and destroying it. Clavulanic Acid boosts the efficacy of Amoxicillin against different types of bacteria.
How quickly does Augmentin work for UTI?
Augmentin starts working with peak concentration after 1.5 hours. However, you may not instantly feel better. It takes up to 48 hours to notice improvement. After a week of treatment with Augmentin, about 96.9 percent of people having UTIs are cured.
Can I take Augmentin for 3 days?
You should not discontinue Augmentin in a few days, even if you feel better. For best results, you should complete the entire course prescribed by the doctor. You should also not change the dosage and stick to the prescription.
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