How to Take Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate

Have you been diagnosed with a bacterial or viral infection? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you to take Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate. Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate or Amoxicillin, as it is most commonly known, is a kind of penicillin antibiotic designed for treatment of common bacterial and viral infections like colds and the flu.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• prescription

1. Take antibiotics only when prescribed by doctors and if they are absolutely needed. Even if you do not feel anything anymore, your doctor will ask that you continue with the medication to avoid severe infections. Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate is available in tablet and liquid variant.
2. Administer Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate orally. You can take Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate, even on an empty stomach, although taking it after a meal might reduce the chances of stomach upset. Drink water for every dose and avoid using fruit juices or carbonated drinks. For the liquid variant, you need to shake the bottle thoroughly before pouring. Use the special measuring spoon or cup to ensure the dosage is correct.
3. Inform your physician about any allergies to any medication. Likewise, notify your doctor if you have asthma, bleeding disorders, kidney or liver diseases, mononucleosis or phenylketonuria. You will also want to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
4. Recognized side effects of Amoxicillin may range from mild to life-threatening. Breathing problems, chest pains, swelling of the lips can all be signs of a fatal reaction. Examples of severe side-effects are nausea, vomiting and problems urinating among others.
5. Inform the physician if there is no improvement in your condition. Ask your doctor when they prescribe the medication how long it usually takes to have an effect. If there is no improvement after this time, let your doctor know.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep your medicines in a cool and secure location and away from children.
• The liquid variant should be refrigerated. Dispose of the medicine after its expiration date.
• Consult your doctor regarding the proper way of disposing expired medicines. Avoid throwing any medications in the garbage so children and animals cannot take them.
• Inform your doctor if you have kidney, stomach or intestinal disease before taking Amoxicillin.
• Amoxicillin should be safe to take while pregnant or nursing but it is wise to inform your doctor if you are.
• If you miss a regular dose you should take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the dose and continue taking the Amoxicillin until finished.
• Never allow other people to take your medicine.
• Don't take this medicine if you are suffering from diarrhea. Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate is known to aggravate the situation ask your doctor for other alternative drugs.
• While Amoxicillin/Potassium Clavulanate can be used for other purposes, avoid such action if you do not have a doctor’s prescription.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you have severe or bloody diarrhea or abdominal cramping.
• Stop taking Amoxicillin if you get an allergic reaction, seizures, unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Other possible side effects may include mild nausea, vomiting, itching or vaginal discharge, white patches on the tongue or black “hairy” tongue.
• Inform your doctor if you are currently taking methotrexate, allopurinol, probenicid or another antibiotic.