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Augmentin

Chinese name:

安美汀

Medically reviewed by

Kenny Cheuk Yin Cheung, Pharmacist

Last Updated: 2022-05-11

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 diarrhea, 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.

Pharmacist Tips:

Antibiotics like Amoxicillin may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Consider using another form of contraception while taking Augmentin.

Common dosing schedule:
Augmentin should be taken at the start of a meal.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Augmentin may interact with:

Warfarin and other anticoagulants
Methotrexate
Oral contraceptives, e.g. Desogestrel, Drospirenone, Levonorgestrel

Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.

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.

For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk

Need more information?

For detailed information about the use of Augmentin in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.

Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.

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