Augmentin

What is it?

Composition

Augmentin contains two key active ingredients that work in synergy to make the drug effective:

• Amoxicillin is an antibiotic from the penicillin group that fights bacteria that cause infectious diseases.
• Clavulanic acid is an inhibitor of beta-lactamases, enzymes that destroy amoxicillin and make it ineffective against some bacteria. Clavulanic acid protects amoxicillin, allowing it to fight bacteria that are resistant to conventional penicillins.

Additionally, Augmentin contains excipients that help stabilize the active ingredients and improve their absorption in the body.

How to use?

Augmentin should be used as directed by your doctor, as the dosage and duration of treatment depend on the severity of the infection, the patients age, and their general condition. The basic rules for use are as follows:

1. Dosage form: Augmentin is available in various forms, including tablets, oral suspension, and injection solution. The choice of form depends on the patients age and the specific infection.
2. Dosage: Usually, adults and children over 12 years of age are prescribed one tablet (500 mg/125 mg) three times a day. For younger children, the dosage is calculated based on body weight.
3. Time of administration: Augmentin is recommended to be taken at the beginning of a meal to reduce the risk of side effects from the gastrointestinal tract and ensure better absorption of the drug.

It is important to complete the full course of treatment, even if the symptoms of the infection have disappeared earlier, to prevent the development of resistant strains of bacteria.

How does it work?

Augmentin works thanks to two active ingredients – amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Amoxicillin disrupts the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, which leads to their death. However, some bacteria produce enzymes called beta-lactamases, which destroy amoxicillin and make it ineffective.

Clavulanic acid blocks these enzymes, protecting amoxicillin from destruction. This allows amoxicillin to penetrate bacterial cells and destroy them, even if they are resistant to other antibiotics. Thus, Augmentin has a broad spectrum of action and is effective against many different bacterial infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant strains.

Indications

Augmentin is used to treat various infections of bacterial origin. Due to its combination formula, it is effective against a wide range of diseases. The main indications for use include:

• Respiratory tract infections: bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, tonsillitis.
• Urogenital tract infections: cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis.
• Skin and soft tissue infections: abscesses, phlegmon, animal bites.
• Bone and joint infections: osteomyelitis, septic arthritis.
• Teeth and gum infections: dental abscesses, periostitis.

Augmentin can also be prescribed to prevent infections after surgery, especially in cases where there is a risk of infection with mixed microflora.

Contraindications

Like any other drug, Augmentin has certain contraindications that should be considered before starting treatment. Major contraindications include:

• Penicillin and cephalosporin allergy: Augmentin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to penicillins or other beta-lactam antibiotics.
• Liver failure: Patients with severe liver dysfunction should avoid using Augmentin, as the drug may worsen liver function.
• Mononucleosis: Using Augmentin in patients with infectious mononucleosis may cause skin rash and other adverse reactions.
• Age under 12 years (for tablet forms): For younger children, it is recommended to use forms of the drug specifically intended for children, such as a suspension.

It is important to consult a doctor before starting treatment to exclude possible contraindications and minimize the risk of side effects.

Side effects

Although Augmentin is generally well tolerated, some patients may experience side effects. The most common of these include:

• Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, which often occur when taking the drug on an empty stomach.
• Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, urticaria. In rare cases, more serious allergic reactions such as angioedema or anaphylactic shock may occur.
• Liver problems: increased liver enzymes, rarely hepatitis or cholestatic jaundice.
• Thrush: women may experience vaginal candidiasis, and children may experience oral candidiasis.
• Headaches and dizziness: these symptoms are less common, but may accompany treatment with Augmentin.

If any adverse reactions occur, you should immediately consult a doctor to adjust the treatment and avoid complications.