Description
Augmentin 375 mg is a prescription antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. It contains two active ingredients, amoxycillin and clavulanic acid, which work together to fight bacteria.
It may be prescribed for infections such as ear, throat, sinus, respiratory, and dental infections. It is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd. in GMP-certified facilities approved by the US FDA, the UK MHRA, and the WHO.
The right dose may depend on the type of infection, age, weight, and kidney function. Augmentin 375mg should be taken only as directed by a doctor. Do not use this antibiotic without medical advice.
What is Augmentin 375 mg?
Augmentin 375 mg is an oral antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin group of antibacterial medicines. It combines amoxycillin with clavulanic acid to provide activity against a broader range of susceptible bacteria than amoxycillin alone.
This medicine is used for bacterial infections when treatment with this combination is considered appropriate. It does not work against viral infections such as the common cold or flu. Because unnecessary antibiotic use can contribute to antibiotic resistance, Augmentin 375mg should be used only when prescribed for a suitable bacterial infection.
The tablet is film-coated and should be taken at the start of a meal. Taking Augmentin tablet 375 mg with food can help reduce stomach discomfort and improve the absorption of the medicine.
Augmentin 375 mg Composition
Each Augmentin 375 mg tablet contains two active ingredients:
- Amoxycillin 250 mg
- Clavulanic Acid 125 mg
Amoxycillin is an antibiotic that helps kill bacteria by stopping them from forming their protective cell wall. Clavulanic acid helps protect amoxycillin from certain enzymes made by bacteria. This allows amoxycillin to work more effectively against susceptible bacteria.
Understanding the augmentin 375 composition is important because both ingredients work together to provide the antibacterial effect of the medicine.
How Does Augmentin 375 mg Work?
Amoxycillin works by interfering with bacterial cell-wall formation. This weakens the bacterial cell and helps destroy susceptible bacteria. Some bacteria produce enzymes called beta-lactamases that can break down certain penicillin antibiotics. Clavulanic acid helps block many of these enzymes.
It has little antibacterial activity by itself, but when combined with amoxycillin, it can extend the antibacterial activity of the medicine against susceptible beta-lactamase-producing bacteria.
This is why the two ingredients are combined in Augmentin 375 mg tablets rather than using amoxycillin alone in situations where beta-lactamase-producing bacteria may be involved.
Available Strengths and Alternatives
Augmentin is available in different strengths
Augmentin 375 mg Uses
Augmentin 375 mg uses include the treatment of certain bacterial infections when the bacteria are susceptible to the medicine. Doctors may prescribe it for infections such as:
- ENT infections
- Chest infections
- Urinary infections
- Skin infections
- Dental infections
- Bone and joint infections
- Abdominal infections
Benefits of Augmentin 375 mg
The main benefit of Augmentin 375mg is its combination of amoxycillin and clavulanic acid. Amoxycillin works against susceptible bacteria, while clavulanic acid helps protect it from certain bacterial enzymes that can reduce the effectiveness of some penicillin antibiotics.
Clavulanic acid helps protect amoxycillin from enzymes produced by some bacteria that can make antibiotics less effective. This combination can help Augmentin work against a wider range of susceptible bacteria than amoxycillin alone.
It may be prescribed for infections affecting the respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, soft tissues, teeth, bones, and joints. Augmentin should only be used when prescribed by a healthcare professional.
How to Take Augmentin 375 mg
Take Augmentin 375 mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Take the tablet at the start of a meal to help reduce stomach discomfort.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
- Take each dose at the same time as advised by your doctor.
- Complete the prescribed course, even if you start feeling better.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
- Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Augmentin 375 mg Dosage
The augmentin 375 dosage depends on the type and severity of infection, age, weight, and kidney function. For adults and children over 12 years, the doctor may prescribe one tablet every 8 hours for mild to moderate infections. For more severe infections, a higher dose may be recommended by the doctor.
The augmentin 375 dosage for adults should be decided by a healthcare professional based on the individual patient’s condition. People with kidney problems may require a different dose or dosing schedule.
Augmentin 375 mg Side Effects
Augmentin 375 mg may cause some side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Common side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion or stomach discomfort
- Skin rash
- Thrush or fungal infection
Taking Augmentin 375 mg at the start of a meal may help reduce stomach-related side effects.
In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur. Contact your doctor immediately if you have trouble breathing, severe diarrhea, a serious skin rash, severe stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. These may be signs of a serious allergic reaction or liver problem.
Who Should Avoid Augmentin 375 mg?
Augmentin 375 mg should not be taken by people who are allergic to penicillin or other similar antibiotics. It should also be avoided by people who have previously developed liver problems or jaundice after taking Augmentin or other amoxicillin-clavulanate medicines.
Tell your doctor if you have any antibiotic allergies, liver disease, kidney problems, or other health conditions before taking Augmentin 375 mg.
Precautions and Warnings
Before taking Augmentin 375 mg, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to penicillin, cephalosporins, or other antibiotics.
If you have kidney problems, your doctor may need to adjust your dose. People with liver problems may also need regular monitoring during treatment. Do not use Augmentin for a long time unless your doctor recommends it, as prolonged use may allow other germs to grow and cause another infection.
Tell your doctor if you have infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever), as amoxycillin may cause a skin rash in people with this condition. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking Augmentin 375 mg. Small amounts of the medicine can pass into breast milk.
Augmentin 375 mg Drug Interactions
Augmentin 375 mg may interact with some medicines and affect how they work. Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, or other products you are taking before starting treatment.
- Probenecid: It may increase the amount of amoxycillin in the blood and keep it in the body for longer.
- Allopurinol: Taking these medicines together may increase the chance of developing a skin rash.
- Warfarin or acenocoumarol: Augmentin may affect blood clotting in some people. Your doctor may recommend blood tests to monitor your clotting levels.
- Methotrexate: Augmentin may increase the amount of methotrexate in the body, which can increase the risk of side effects.
- Mycophenolate mofetil: Augmentin may affect how this medicine works, so your doctor may need to monitor you more closely.
Augmentin 375 mg Storage
Store Augmentin 375 mg in a dry place protected from moisture at a temperature not exceeding 25°C. Keep the tablets in their original packaging and store them out of reach of children. Always check the expiry date before use and do not use tablets after the expiry date shown on the packaging.
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