Augmentin is a particularly versatile and effective medication. Comprising a unique combination of Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium, Augmentin has been a staple in the medical community since its approval in 1984. This powerful duo works mutually to fight off a broad spectrum of bacterial infections that many other antibiotics, like Amoxicillin, struggle to combat alone. 

Augmentin has been estimated to account for less than 1 death per 4 million prescriptions worldwide, indicating its generally safe profile. Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid, the two components of Augmentin, offer a potent solution against infections that would otherwise be difficult to treat, making Augmentin a vital instrument in the fight against bacterial resistance. Continue reading to gather detailed information on what is Augmentin used for and determine if it can help improve your health.

Fact
During a study, Augmentin was able to treat 3 out of 4 infections caused by Amoxicillin-resistant bacteria.

What is Augmentin used to treat

Augmentin is a combination antibiotic medication, available in tablet and liquid suspension forms, and is typically taken every 8 or 12 hours with food. It (Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid) is an approved antibiotic for treating bacterial infections. 

Augmentin works by stunting the growth of bacteria responsible for these infections. Amoxicillin, the main component, destroys the bacteria’s ability to form cell walls. This makes Amoxicillin effective against an array of bacterial pathogens. Clavulanic acid, on the other hand, helps overcome bacterial resistance by inhibiting beta-lactamase enzymes produced by some bacteria. This enhances the overall effectiveness of the antibiotic against resistant strains.

It is indicated and FDA-approved for the following conditions:

Respiratory Tract Infections

Augmentin is commonly used to treat various respiratory tract infections. It is effective against numerous common bacteria causing respiratory infections, such as Haemophilus influenza,  Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Adding Clavulanic acid to Augmentin helps fight off a wider variety of bacteria.

Lower respiratory tract infections

Augmentin has shown efficacy in treating lower respiratory tract infections, such as Pneumonia and Bronchitis. In a pilot study, patients with lower respiratory infections were treated with Augmentin, resulting in a good clinical response in most cases. The medication was administered orally every 8 hours for 7 days, demonstrating positive outcomes with manageable side effects.

Upper respiratory tract infections

Augmentin is indicated for treating upper respiratory tract infections, such as Otitis Media, Sinusitis, and infections involving the upper respiratory tract. For over two decades, this antibiotic has been widely used in managing community-acquired respiratory tract infections, showcasing high bacteriological and clinical efficacy.

Ear Infections

A Doctor checking woman's ear
A doctor checking woman’s ear

Augmentin is commonly used to treat various types of ear infections, particularly Acute Otitis Media, in both children and adults. 

A US-based study reported that Amoxicillin-Clavulanate was more successful than Cefdinir in treating Acute Otitis Media in children. Another 2022 research paper compared the effectiveness of various antibiotics against Acute Otitis Media (AOM) in children. This study found that Amoxicillin-Clavulanate had a significantly lower combined treatment failure and recurrence rate compared to other antibiotics.

Skin Infections

Augmentin has been demonstrated to be quite effective in addressing skin and soft tissue infections, with clinical response rates of about 95%. It has proven to be a safe, useful, and effective antibiotic for treating skin infections in general practice and hospitals for adults and children. It is effective against both penicillin-sensitive and penicillin-resistant strains of these bacteria.

Augmentin is also known to treat the following skin infections successfully:

  • Impetigo
  • Infected eczema
  • Infected trauma (e.g., wounds, ulcers)
  • Leg ulcers

Urinary Tract Infections

Augmentin (Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid) is well-absorbed in the body, allowing for effective concentration levels in the urinary tract to combat infections. Augmentin is well-tolerated with minimal gastrointestinal side effects, making it valuable in treating Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) caused by multiply resistant bacteria. Clinical trials have shown a success rate of about 70% for Amoxicillin-resistant organisms in treating UTIs. 

Read ‘Augmentin for UTI’ to learn more about Augmentin’s role in UTI treatment.

Bone and Joint Infections

Augmentin has shown good penetration into bone and joint tissues, making it suitable for treating various bone and joint infections. Hence, it has been successfully used in treating Osteomyelitis, prosthetic joint infections, and Septic arthritis.

Off-label uses of Augmentin

The off-label uses of Augmentin include treatments for conditions not approved by the FDA. Doctors may prescribe Augmentin for off-label uses such as:

  • Treatment of human or animal bite wounds
  • Group A streptococcal infections
  • Impetigo
  • Severe flare-ups of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis
  • Diabetic foot infections
  • Odontogenic infections
  • Peritonsillar cellulitis/abscess

It is important to follow the prescribed Augmentin dosage and complete the full course of treatment to prevent the growth of drug-resistant bacteria. 

The duration of treatment with Augmentin for infections usually continues for 5 to 14 days, depending on the infection’s severity and the individual’s response to the medication. To know Augmentin’s onset of action, you may read ‘How Long Does Augmentin Take to Work.’

Warning
Do not consume Augmentin before consulting your doctor if you have Diarrhea, liver, or kidney disease. It may worsen the condition.

Conclusion

Augmentin is a powerful and versatile antibiotic combination of Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium. It effectively treats a broad spectrum of bacterial infections, including those resistant to other antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin alone. 

Augmentin is particularly effective and approved for treating infections of the respiratory tract, ear, skin, urinary tract, and bone and joints. It has been demonstrated in studies to be a highly effective treatment for these conditions, making it an important weapon in combatting bacterial resistance.

However, it is crucial to consult a doctor before taking Augmentin, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. Understanding Augmentin’s uses and its mechanism of action can help you understand whether you would benefit from using Augmentin for your infection. 

Trust WowRx to deliver quality Augmentin straight to your door, ensuring you can prioritize your health without sacrificing convenience or affordability. 

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