Augmentin BD 1000mg 1g Tablet

Augmentin Tablet Uses

Augmentin is often a drug of choice to treat bacterial infections. It shows its action by inhibiting the synthesis of the cell wall of the bacteria. Augmentin is amoxicillin that belongs to the group of penicillin, and beta-lactam antibiotics. They work by inhibiting the synthesis of the cell wall of bacteria, hence making it difficult for them to survive. Antibiotics can only fight against bacteria. They are not active against viruses. Therefore, they are given to treat bacterial infections. Augmentin is a combination of amoxicillin (a penicillin antibiotic) and clavulanic acid- a beta-lactamase inhibitor that helps overcome antibiotic resistance.

Augmentin BD 1000mg 1g Tablet formula

• Amoxicillin
• Clavulanic acid

Available forms

• Tablet
• Oral suspension
• Powder for injection

Risks and warnings

You should know the risks and warnings of Augmentin to prevent its misuse.

There are some specific circumstances under which the use of certain medications is contraindicated or considered dangerous. So if you are taking any medicine its always a good practice to familiarize yourself with its risks and warnings.

The risks and warnings associated with Augmentin are:

Allergic to Amoxicillin

If you are allergic to amoxicillin, do not take Augmentin or any other medicine with the same generic name, as it can result in a life-threatening condition called anaphylactic shock.

If you are allergic to penicillins, you must avoid the use of Augmentin as it can cause allergy. Always inform your healthcare provider about the documented allergies you have.

Non-susceptible organisms

Amoxicillin should be given to the patient only when the bacteria are sensitive to it. If not, it can lead to antibiotic resistance, making it difficult to treat infections next time. It mostly applies to urinary tract infections and infections of the nose, ear & throat.

Seizures

If you have a history of seizures or suffer from renal impairment, you must avoid the use of Augmentin as it can provoke seizures.

Kidney failure

If your kidneys do not work well, the doctor may lower the dose of the drug. It happens because your kidneys are meant to excrete out the waste and toxins. If that does not happen, the toxins may build up in your body, leading to severe adverse effects. Therefore, you must inform your health care provider about your complete health condition.

Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction

Jarisch-Herxheimer’s reaction happens when Augmentin is given to the patient with Lyme disease. It happens because of the release of endotoxins due to the death of bacteria.

Gastric ulcers

People suffering from gastric ulcers and acidity must take Augmentin with extreme caution because it affects your gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, it can cause ulceration in your stomach lining when taken for the long term. Your doctor may prescribe a gastroprotective agent along with it.

Liver diseases

Patients with liver disease should take Amoxicillin with caution. It is because your liver helps in the metabolism and excretion of drugs. When it does not work efficiently due to any disease, it can cause accumulation of the drug in your body, leading to severe adverse effects.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, do not take Augmentin unless your doctor advises it. It can affect the functioning of your baby’s health. Breastfeeding mothers should also consult with a healthcare provider before taking it.

Anticoagulants or bleeding disorders

If you are taking anticoagulants for thinning of your blood, or you have any bleeding disorder, take Augmentin only on the advice of a medical expert.

How to use Augmentin BD 1000mg 1g Tablet?

• You should take an Augmentin tablet with a glass of water and swallow it whole
• It is recommended to take it with food rather than on an empty stomach
• Try to take it for the shortest possible time
• Do not crush or chew the tablet
• Do not alter the dose and frequency, as it can lead to other problems
• For adults, the recommended dose is 625mg thrice a day or 1g twice a day
• Follow the dose and frequency as advised by the doctor
• Before stopping its use, you must consult with a healthcare provider

Augmentin Side Effects

The common side effects of Augmentin are:

• Abdominal pain
• Vomit containing coffee grounds
• Blood in stool
• Constipation
• Black stools
• Acid reflux
• Anemia
• Elevation of liver enzymes
• Diarrhea
• Serum sickness
• Risk of infections
• Crystalluria
• Eye discomfort
• Gastric discomfort
• Lethargy and body pain
• Headache
• Hearing impairment
• Nausea
• Pancreatitis
• Sleep disorders
• Vision disorders
• Altered taste

Drug Interactions

Augmentin may interact with the following drugs. A drug interaction does not mean that you stop taking the medicine on your own, however, you must tell your health specialist about it.

• Probenecid
• Blood thinners like warfarin 
• Allopurinol 
• Oral birth control pills containing estrogen and progesterone.
• Other antibiotics like chloramphenicol, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and macrolides.
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs like atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and other statins.
• Ergot alkaloids
• Colchicine 
• Oral hypoglycemic agents like repaglinide, rosiglitazone, nateglinide, and pioglitazone
• Quetiapine 
• Antiarrhythmic drugs like amiodarone and procainamide
• Benzodiazepine like diazepam, midazolam and triazolam 
• Calcium containing supplements
• Iron supplement
• Zinc and bismuth-containing drugs

To avoid drug interactions, you must provide a complete medical history to your healthcare provider including other health conditions you have as well as any medicines you have been taking. At times, a dose adjustment can help prevent drug interactions.

Storage Conditions

• Keep the product out of the reach and sight of children
• Store it at room temperature.