Augmentin

What is Augmentin?

Augmentin is a combination antibiotic used for treating bacterial infections including infections in the urinary tract, respiratory tract or skin and soft tissues. Augmentin contains Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid. Amoxicillin belongs to a class of medications called penicillins, which kills bacteria by interrupting the integrity of bacterial cell walls. Clavulanic acid belongs to a class of medications called beta-lactamase inhibitors, which prevents bacteria from destroying Amoxicillin. Augmentin does not work for virus or fungus infections.

How to use it?

Augmentin may be taken orally as a tablet, a syrup, or injected through a needle into a vein or muscle as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the dosage and frequency depending on your infection.

Acute otitis media, Infections of the skin or soft tissues, Urinary tract infections
Adult
Oral: For mild to moderate infections, 500 mg amoxicillin component every 12 hours or 250 mg amoxicillin component every 8 hours. For severe infections, 875 mg amoxicillin component every 12 hours or 500 mg amoxicillin component every 8 hours.
Child over 3 months
Body weight >40 kg: For mild to moderate infections, 500 mg amoxicillin component orally every 12 hours or 250 mg amoxicillin component orally every 8 hours. For severe infections, 875 mg amoxicillin component every 12 hours or 500 mg amoxicillin component every 8 hours.
Body weight <40 kg: 20-40 mg/kg body weight of amoxicillin component per day orally, divided every 8 hours.
Child under 3 months
Oral: 30 mg/kg body weight of amoxicillin component per day, divided every 12 hours.

Lower respiratory tract infection
Adult
Oral: 875 mg amoxicillin component every 12 hours or 500 mg amoxicillin component every 8 hours.
Child over 3 months
Body weight >40 kg:875 mg amoxicillin component orally every 12 hours or 500 mg amoxicillin component orally every 8 hours.
Body weight <40 kg: 20-40 mg/kg body weight of amoxicillin component per day orally, divided every 8 hours.
Child under 3 months
Oral: 30 mg/kg body weight of amoxicillin component per day, divided every 12 hours.

Prevention of surgical infections
Adult
Injections: 1.2 g to be administered up to 30 minutes before the procedure, then 1.2 g every 8 hours for up to 2-3 further doses in high risk procedures.

What are the side effects of Augmentin?

Common side effects of Augmentin include diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, allergies, and skin reactions.

Who should not take Augmentin?

– People allergic to any component of the formulation.
– People who are allergic to beta-lactams, e.g. Penicillins and Cephalosporins.

Where to buy Augmentin in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, Augmentin is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.