What Is the Medicine Augmentin Used For?

Augmentin is a brand name for a prescription medication that contains amoxicillin clavulanate. Doctors prescribe Augmentin to treat a number of bacterial infections.

Function

The amoxicillin in Augmentin disrupts production of substances that strengthen the exterior of bacterial cells and protect them from your immune system. The addition of calvulanate protects amoxicillin from being broken down by chemicals contained in the bacteria.

Types

Doctors prescribe Augmentin to treat many infections, including those of the respiratory tract, middle ear, sinuses, skin or urinary tract.

Time Frame

Doctors prescribe Augmentin for use every eight to 24 hours, depending on the age of the patient and the type and severity of the infection, according to RxList.

Risks

The most common side effects of Augmentin are diarrhea, nausea, skin rashes, vomiting and vaginal yeast infections. Augmentin carries a risk for severe anaphylactioid allergic reactions in patients with penicillin or cephalosporin sensitivity.

Considerations

Augmentin has caused fetal harm in laboratory animals, so doctors avoid prescribing it to pregnant women. A person with history of chronic diarrhea, kidney or liver disease, mononucleosis or phenylketonuria, should not take Augmentin, the Mayo Clinic warns.

References

• RxList: Augmentin
• Mayo Clinic: Augmentin