COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Augmentin

USES: Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid are antibiotics used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections.

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: This medication is taken twice daily every 12 hours as directed by your doctor. It may be taken with food if you experience stomach upset.  Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.

Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days.  Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting during the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor.

Notify your doctor immediately if an allergic reaction occurs while taking this medication. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, skin rash, hives or itching.

Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection)

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have any other illnesses or any allergies especially to penicillin or other antibiotics. This antibiotic may cause false positive results in diabetic urine testing using Clinitest.

This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all the medications you take (prescription and nonprescription) especially probenecid, disulfiram, birth control pills or tetracyclines.

This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor.