Description

Amoksiklav belongs to a group of antibiotics called penicillin. When combined with Amoxicillin, Amoksiklav fights bacteria that cause various infections in the body.

Amoksiklav is available under the brand name Augmentin which comes in tablet and liquid forms. It should be taken by patients who are undergoing treatment for various infections such as sinusitis, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, and skin infections. It can be taken by adults and even children. Amoksiklav is not effective in treating common infections like the flu or colds.

Adults are usually prescribed 500 milligrams of Amoksiklav every 12 hours, or 250 milligrams every 8 hours. For more severe cases of infections, particularly in the respiratory tract, the dosage can be increased to 875 milligrams every 12 hours, or 500 milligrams every 8 hours.

Those who have weakened renal function are not required to have a reduction in dosage unless their injury is serious. Usually, seriously injured patients are not allowed to take 875 milligrams of Amoksiklav.

Patients suffering from hemodialysis are required to have at least 250 milligrams of Amoksiklav depending on the seriousness of the infection. Patients are required to take additional dosages during and after dialysis. Children who weigh more than 80 lbs should be given dosages similar to those of adults.

Amoksiklav can be administered even if the patient has an empty stomach. However, for best results it is advised that the patient take Amoksiklav prior to a meal. It would also lessen the chances of a gastrointestinal problem.

The tablet form of Augmentin should be taken as a whole. The chewable tablet should be chewed first and never swallowed as a whole. The extended-release tablet should be swallowed whole or broken into halves, but never chewed. The liquid form should be shaken first before taking.

Amoksiklav must be taken at equal intervals as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist. Taking the medication regularly allows a patient to get the most effectiveness of Amoksiklav.

In case a patient misses a dose, they should take it immediately. If the next dose is almost due, it is recommended that they pass over the missed dosage and then proceed to take the dosage at the next scheduled dosage. It is not recommended that patients take another medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Like most medicines, Amoksiklav can result to side effects, although the chances are pretty low. Some of the less serious side effects include difficulty in breathing, hives, and skin edema of the face, lips, and throat. More serious side effects may include fever, stomach pain, lack of appetite, and yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Patients should consult a doctor immediately in case any of these side effects become apparent or persist.

Amoksiklav, like most antibiotic medicines, can cause a patient to have diarrhoea, which could indicate a new infection. Patients should immediately notify a doctor especially if their bowel is watery or has blood in it. Never use a medication to control the diarrhoea unless prescribed by your doctor.

Patients who have kidney or liver illness should inform their physician about their condition prior to taking Amoksiklav. These conditions can prevent a patient from taking Amoksiklav or can require an adjustment in the dosage.