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Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Augmentin. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms and treatment choices.

What is Augmentin?

Augmentin is a medicine that combines two active ingredients: amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections.

Amoxicillin works by interfering with the growth of bacteria, helping to stop infection. Clavulanic acid helps prevent some bacteria from inactivating amoxicillin, which broadens the range of infections that can be treated with this combination.

Augmentin is available in several forms, including tablets, dispersible tablets for children, and a suspension that you shake before use. The exact formulation you receive depends on age, weight and the infection being treated.

It is an antibiotic, which means it works only against bacterial infections. It will not help viral illnesses such as the common cold or flu.

In the UK, a clinician will decide if this treatment is appropriate for your condition. The exact dosage and duration should be determined by a healthcare professional, and may depend on the infection, age and kidney function. Always use as prescribed and check the official leaflet for your product.

What is Augmentin used for?

Augmentin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria in different parts of the body. It is commonly prescribed for respiratory tract infections, including sinusitis and certain chest infections.

It is also used for ear infections (otitis media), throat infections (such as tonsillitis), and some dental infections. Skin infections such as cellulitis may respond to this antibiotic as well.

• Respiratory tract infections (e.g., sinusitis, bronchitis) that are caused by susceptible bacteria
• Ear infections and some throat infections
• Dental and jaw infections and certain mouth infections
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Some urinary tract infections

Augmentin may be used for other infections as determined by a clinician. It is important to understand that antibiotics are not useful for viral infections unless a bacterial infection is also present.

Not every infection requires antibiotics. A clinician will decide whether Augmentin is suitable for your illness, based on symptoms, exam findings and, where appropriate, laboratory results. This treatment may require a prescription depending on local rules.

How Augmentin works

Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic that disrupts the formation of the bacterial cell wall. This weakens bacteria and helps the body's immune system to clear the infection.

Clavulanic acid inhibits certain enzymes (beta-lactamases) produced by bacteria that can otherwise break down amoxicillin. By preventing this resistance mechanism, the combination remains active against a wider range of bacteria.

The overall effect is to help clear the infection more effectively than amoxicillin alone for many conditions. However, antibiotics must be used only when a bacterial infection is present, and they should be taken exactly as prescribed.

Always use Augmentin for the full course prescribed, unless your clinician tells you to stop earlier. If symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few days, contact a healthcare professional for advice. Do not reuse a previous course without medical guidance.

If you have questions about why this medicine was chosen for you, speak with your pharmacist or clinician. They can explain how Augmentin helps in your specific situation and address concerns about resistance or alternatives.

How to use Augmentin

Read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine and follow the doctor’s instructions. If anything is unclear, ask a pharmacist for help before you start the medicine.

Take the medicine by mouth. The form you have may require different preparation—for example, tablets are swallowed with water, dispersible tablets are dissolved in a small amount of water and then swallowed, and suspensions must be shaken before use.

Augmentin is usually taken with a meal or just after a meal to reduce stomach upset. Do not take more than the prescribed amount or use it for longer than advised without checking with a clinician.

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose. If you are unsure what to do, contact your pharmacist or clinician for guidance.

Storage instructions will be on the packaging and the patient information leaflet. Typically, keep the medicine in its original container, at room temperature, away from direct heat or moisture, and out of reach of children. Do not use it after the expiry date stated on the packaging. After finishing the course, discard any unused product as advised by your pharmacist.

If you have kidney or liver problems, or if you are taking other medicines, tell your clinician before starting Augmentin. The clinician may adjust the dose or recommend a different treatment. Do not stop a course early just because you feel better unless advised by a clinician.

Who should avoid Augmentin?

Do not take Augmentin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to penicillins or clavulanic acid, or to any ingredient in the medicine. Severe allergic reactions require immediate medical attention. Signs can include swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing, or a widespread itchy rash.

If you have had a history of severe allergic reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics, you should avoid Augmentin unless a clinician advises otherwise.

Tell your clinician if you have liver problems, kidney problems, or a history of jaundice with antibiotics. Your dose or choice of antibiotic may be adjusted in such cases.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should discuss the benefits and risks with a clinician before using Augmentin. Do not start or stop the medicine without professional advice.

If you are taking other medicines that affect the liver or kidneys, or medicines that affect blood clotting, inform your clinician. They can check for potential interactions and monitor your treatment as needed.

Warnings and precautions

Augmentin can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to penicillin or related medicines, seek medical advice before taking this antibiotic.

Allergic reactions can occur, sometimes even after previous tolerances. Seek urgent medical help if you develop swelling of the face or lips, severe skin rash, or trouble breathing.

Antibiotics, including Augmentin, can sometimes lead to diarrhoea or colitis. If you have persistent or severe diarrhoea, especially with blood or fever, contact a clinician promptly.

In rare cases, Augmentin can affect the liver. Seek medical help if you notice pale stools, dark urine, persistent nausea or vomiting, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Long-term or repeated use of antibiotics can lead to overgrowth of resistant bacteria or other infections. Use Augmentin only as prescribed and discuss any concerns with a clinician.

Possible side effects

Side effects from Augmentin are not common, but they can occur. Most people tolerate the medicine well.

Common side effects include upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and mild skin rash. These are usually mild and transient.

Some people may develop thrush in the mouth or genital area while taking antibiotics. If you notice unusual itching, discharge, or white patches in the mouth, tell a clinician.

Less common effects may include headaches, dizziness, or a change in taste. If you experience persistent or troublesome symptoms, speak with a clinician or pharmacist.

Serious side effects are rare but require urgent medical attention. Seek help if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, persistent vomiting with dehydration, severe diarrhoea with blood, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea or loose stools
• Rash or itchy skin
• Headache or dizziness
• Thrush in mouth or genital area

Drug interactions

Some medicines can interact with Augmentin and change how either medicine works. It is important to tell your clinician about all medicines you take, including over‑the‑counter medicines and herbal products.

Possible interactions include anticoagulants such as warfarin, which may require closer monitoring of blood clotting tests. Other medicines may interact by increasing the chance of side effects or reducing effectiveness.

Medicines that affect the kidneys or liver may interact with Augmentin. Some drugs, such as allopurinol, may increase the risk of skin rash when taken with Augmentin. In some cases, this combination is avoided.

Oral contraceptives: while evidence is not always clear, some people are advised to use an additional form of contraception while taking antibiotics, including Augmentin. If you have concerns, discuss this with your clinician.

Always inform your pharmacist or clinician about all medicines you take. They can check for interactions and advise you on how to manage them safely.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, discuss Augmentin with a clinician. They will weigh the benefits against any potential risk to the unborn baby.

Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid may be used during pregnancy if the clinician determines that the benefits outweigh any potential risks. Do not change or stop treatment without medical advice.

Breastfeeding: small amounts of Augmentin may pass into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, monitor your baby for signs such as diarrhoea, thrush in the mouth, or a rash, and contact a clinician if you have concerns.

Always follow the clinician’s guidance on use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you have questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor for clarification based on your situation.

For more information on safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding, consult the official leaflet and talk to a healthcare professional. Do not rely on general information alone.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly will Augmentin start to work?

Many people notice an improvement within a few days of starting treatment, but it can take longer for some infections. If you do not see any improvement after 2–3 days, or if symptoms worsen, contact a clinician for advice.

Should I finish the full course even if I feel better?

Yes. It is generally important to complete the full course unless a clinician tells you otherwise. Stopping early can allow the infection to return or encourage resistant bacteria to emerge.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. If you are close to the next dose, skip the missed one and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose. If you are unsure, contact a clinician for guidance.

Can Augmentin be taken with other medicines or treatments?

Some medicines can interact with Augmentin. Always tell your clinician about all medicines you take, including over‑the‑counter medicines and herbal products. Examples of medicines that may require extra monitoring include anticoagulants such as warfarin, certain gout medicines, and some medicines that affect kidney function.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Augmentin?

Moderate alcohol use is not usually a direct contraindication, but alcohol can irritate the stomach and increase the chance of feeling unwell. It is sensible to limit alcohol if you are taking antibiotics and to seek medical advice if you have questions about your situation.

What should I do if I have a severe allergic reaction?

Seek urgent medical help if you experience swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or a widespread, worsening rash. An allergic reaction requires prompt medical assessment.

How should I store Augmentin?

Store the medicine as advised on the packaging. Generally keep it at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, and out of the reach of children. Do not use it after the expiry date. After opening a bottle or preparing a suspension, follow the leaflet’s advice on storage and stability.

Is Augmentin safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding should be discussed with a clinician. The benefits and potential risks need careful consideration. Do not start or stop treatment without professional advice.

Can Augmentin cause diarrhoea or upset stomach, and what should I do?

Gastrointestinal upset, including diarrhoea, is a possible side effect. If you develop persistent or severe diarrhoea, especially with blood, contact a clinician. Do not self-treat with other antibiotics without advice.

Can I use Augmentin for a viral infection?

No. Antibiotics like Augmentin do not treat viral infections such as colds or flu unless a bacterial infection is also present. If you are unsure of the cause of your symptoms, seek medical assessment.

When should I seek medical help or contact a clinician?

Contact a clinician if you do not improve within a few days, if your symptoms worsen, or if you develop signs of a serious reaction or severe side effects. Seek urgent care if there is trouble breathing, facial swelling, or a rapidly spreading rash.

Sources

Information on this page is based on general product information and common medical guidance for Augmentin. For specific details about your formulation, always read the official leaflet that accompanies your medicine and talk to a pharmacist or clinician for personalised advice.

If you are unsure about any instruction, or if you have a complex medical history, seek clarification from a healthcare professional. This page is intended to support, not replace, professional medical assessment and advice.