Epinephrine is a hormone, recommended for
cardiac arrest (to restart the heart beat), dilation of blood vessels,
increase of diastolic blood pressure, increasing the flow of blood to
heart and anaphylactic shock (allergic reactions). It is effective in
controlling superficial bleeding and re
This medicine helps relieve mild to moderate pain such as
headache, migraine, neuralgia, backache, toothache, period pain; and
rheumatic and muscle pain. It is helpful if the pain disturbs your
sleep. The main ingredients in this medicine are paracetamol and
diphenhydramine which work together to help relieve pain and aid a
restful sleep. Paracetamol is a pain killer and helps relieve pain and
fever. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine which works by blocking the
effects of histamine and causes drowsiness.
This medicine is available in the form tablets that are taken by
mouth. You should take this medicine 20 minutes before going to bed.
This medicine contains paracetamol. If you are taking other
medicines that contain paracetamol you must make sure that you do not
take more than the recommended daily dose of paracetamol. You should
also avoid taking other medicines that make you drowsy.
Do not take this medicine continuously for more than seven nights.
Consult your doctor if you have a persistent headache or if your
symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine for seven days, or if
they get worse during treatment with this medicine.
Before using Panadol Night
This medicine may not be suitable for everyone and some people
must never have it. Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to
make sure that the medicine is suitable before having it.
Always get advice from a healthcare professional before taking this medicine if:
you are allergic or sensitive to or have had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine
this medicine is for a child under 12 years of age
you are elderly
you have liver problems
you have kidney problems
you have pyloroduodenal obstruction
you have porphyria
you have heart and circulation problems
you have asthma, bronchitis, COPD or lung problems
you have myasthenia gravis
you have epilepsy or another condition that makes you prone to seizures
you have closed-angle glaucoma
you have an enlarged prostate gland
you have urinary retention
you have galactose intolerance
you have Lapp lactase deficiency
you have glucose-galactose malabsorption
you are taking other medicines that contain paracetamol
Medicines interactions
If you are taking more than one medicine they may interact with
each other. Before taking this medicine consult your doctor or
pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines
including vitamins supplements and herbal or complementary preparations.
The following medicines may interact with this medicine:
other medicines that contain paracetamol
cough and cold medicines
other antihistamines including preparations that are applied on the skin
metoclopramide
domperidone
cholestyramine
anticoagulants such as warfarin or other coumarins
monoamine oxidase inhibitors - you should not use this
medicine within two weeks of stopping a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or
while you are taking one
central nervous system depressants such as tranquilisers, hypnotics and anxiolytics
antimuscarinic medicines such as atropine or tricyclic antidepressants
medicines that are metabolised by cytochrome p450 such as metoprolol and venlafaxine
Possible side effects of Panadol Night
Most medicines can cause some side-effects but not everyone having the same medicine will get the same side-effects.
The following side-effects have been associated with people taking this medicine:
hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, skin rashes,
angioedema, urticaria, breathing difficulties, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
and toxic epidermal necrolysis
bronchospasm
liver problems
tiredness
confusion
paradoxical excitation including feelings of increased energy, nervousness and restlessness
dizziness
concentration problems
unsteadiness
convulsions
headache
blood and bone marrow problems
drowsiness or sedation
blurred vision
faster heart rate
palpitations
thickening of bronchial secretions
dry mouth
gastrointestinal disturbances including nausea and vomiting
muscle twitching
urinary retention
urinary difficulties
difficulty in co-ordinating movement
pins and needles sensations
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are trying to become pregnant or are pregnant you should
seek medical advice before taking this medicine. Do not take this
medicine if you are breast-feeding.
Other important information
Make sure that you read the leaflet that comes with your medicine
to check what dose you should take and if there is anything that you
need to do if you take more than the recommended dose. If you are in any
doubt about whether this medicine is suitable for you, speak to your
doctor or pharmacist.
Seek immediate medical advice if you accidentally take an extra dose of this medicine even if you feel well.
This medicine may affect your ability to drive or operate
machinery. If this medicine affects you, you should not drive or operate
machinery.
This medicine may interact with alcohol. It is best to avoid alcoholic drinks while you are taking this medicine.
Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
AVELOX (moxifloxacin) hydrochloride is a synthetic broad
spectrum antibacterial agent for oral and intravenous administration.
Moxifloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, is available as the monohydrochloride salt of
1-cyclopropyl-7-[(S,S)2,8-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-8-yl]-6-fluoro-8-methoxy-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-3
quinoline carboxylic acid. It is a slightly yellow to yellow crystalline
substance with a molecular weight of 437.9. Its empirical formula is C21H24FN3O4*HCl
and its chemical structure is as follows:
AVELOX Tablets
AVELOX Tablets are available as film-coated tablets
containing moxifloxacin hydrochloride (equivalent to 400 mg moxifloxacin).
The inactive ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose,
lactose monohydrate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose,
titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol and ferric oxide.
AVELOX IV
AVELOX IV is available in ready-to-use 250 mL latex-free
flexibags as a sterile, preservative free, 0.8% sodium chloride aqueous
solution of moxifloxacin hydrochloride (containing 400 mg moxifloxacin) with pH
ranging from 4.1 to 4.6.
The appearance of the intravenous solution is yellow. The
color does not affect, nor is it indicative of, product stability.
The inactive ingredients are sodium chloride, USP, Water
for Injection, USP, and may include hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide
for pH adjustment.
AVELOX IV contains approximately 34.2 mEq (787 mg) of
sodium in 250 mL.
What are the possible side effects of moxifloxacin (Avelox)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using moxifloxacin and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;
sudden pain, snapping or popping sound, bruising, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, or loss of movement in any of your joints;
diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
confusion, hallucinations, depression, insomnia or nightmares, unusual...
What are the precautions when taking moxifloxacin hcl (Avelox)?
See also Warning section.
Before taking moxifloxacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you
are allergic to it; or to other quinolone antibiotics (such as
ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin); or if you have any other allergies. This
product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your
medical history, especially of: diabetes, heart problems (such as
recent heart attack), joint/tendon problems (such as tendonitis,
bursitis), liver disease, myasthenia gravis, nerve problems (such as
peripheral neuropathy), seizure disorder, conditions that increase your
risk of seizures (such as brain/head injury, brain tumors, cerebral...
Levofloxacin is used to treat certain infections such as pneumonia,
chronic bronchitis and sinus, urinary tract, kidney, prostate (a male
reproductive gland), and skin infections. Levofloxacin is also used to
prevent anthrax (a serious infection that may be spread on purpose as
part of a bioterror attack) in people who may have been exposed to
anthrax germs in the air. Levofloxacin is in a class of antibiotics
called fluoroquinolones. It works by killing bacteria that cause
infections. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral
infections.
How should this medicine be used?
Levofloxacin comes as a tablet and a solution (liquid) to take by
mouth. It is usually taken once a day. The length of your treatment
depends on the type of infection you have. Your doctor will tell you how
long to take levofloxacin. The tablet may be taken with or without
food. The solution should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after
eating. Take levofloxacin at around the same time every day. Follow the
directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or
pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take levofloxacin
exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more
often than prescribed by your doctor.
You should begin to feel better during the first few days of
treatment with levofloxacin. If your symptoms do not improve or if they
get worse, call your doctor.
Take levofloxacin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel
better. Do not stop taking levofloxacin without talking to your doctor
unless you experience certain serious side effects listed in the
IMPORTANT WARNING or SIDE EFFECTS sections. If you stop taking
levofloxacin too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be
completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.
Other uses for this medicine
Levofloxacin is also sometimes used to treat endocarditis (infection
of the heart lining and valves), certain sexually transmitted diseases,
and tuberculosis (TB). Levofloxacin is also sometimes used to prevent or
treat traveler's diarrhea and plague (a serious infection that may be
spread on purpose as part of a bioterror attack). Talk to your doctor
about the risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking levofloxacin,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic or have had a
severe reaction to levofloxacin; any other quinolone or fluoroquinolone
antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gatifloxacin (Tequin) (not
available in the U.S.), gemifloxacin (Factive), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin)
(not available in the U.S.), moxifloxacin (Avelox), nalidixic acid
(NegGram), norfloxacin (Noroxin), ofloxacin (Floxin), and sparfloxacin
(Zagam) (not available in the U.S.): or any other medications, or if you
are allergic to any of the ingredients in levofloxacin tablets or
solution. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list
of the ingredients.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and
nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and
herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the
medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and any of the
following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin,
Jantoven); certain antidepressants; antipsychotics (medications to
treat mental illness); cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune);
diuretics ('water pills'); insulin; oral medications for diabetes such
as glyburide (DiaBeta, in Glucovance, Micronase, others); certain
medications for irregular heartbeat such as amiodarone (Cordarone),
procainamide (Procanbid), quinidine, and sotalol (Betapace, Betapace AF,
Sorine); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn,
others); tacrolimus (Prograf); or theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24,
Uniphyl, others). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your
medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
if you are taking antacids containing aluminum hydroxide or
magnesium hydroxide (Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, others), didanosine (Videx),
sucralfate (Carafate), or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain
iron or zinc, take these medications 2 hours before or after you take
levofloxacin.
tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had
a prolonged QT interval (a rare heart problem that may cause irregular
heartbeat, fainting, or sudden death) or an irregular heartbeat, and if
you have or have ever had nerve problems; a low level of potassium in
your blood; a slow heartbeat; cerebral arteriosclerosis (narrowing of
blood vessels in or near the brain that can lead to stroke or
mini-stroke); seizures; chest pain; or liver disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking levofloxacin,
call your doctor.
you should know that levofloxacin may cause confusion, dizziness,
lightheadedness, and tiredness. Do not drive a car, operate machinery,
or participate in activities requiring alertness or coordination until
you know how this medication affects you.
plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight or
ultraviolet light (tanning beds and sunlamps) and to wear protective
clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Levofloxacin may make your skin
sensitive to sunlight or ultraviolet light. If your skin becomes
reddened, swollen, or blistered, like a bad sunburn, call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Make sure you drink plenty of water or other fluids every day while you are taking levofloxacin.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your
regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a
missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Levofloxacin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
stomach pain
constipation
heartburn
headache
vaginal itching and/or discharge
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these
symptoms call your doctor immediately, but do not stop taking
levofloxacin without talking to your doctor:
severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with or
without fever and stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after
your treatment)
dizziness
confusion
nervousness
restlessness
anxiety
not trusting others or feeling that others want to hurt you
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
nightmares or abnormal dreams
hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
depression
thoughts about dying or killing yourself
uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
If you experience any of the following symptoms, or the symptoms of
tendinitis or tendon rupture described in the IMPORTANT WARNING section,
stop taking levofloxacin and call your doctor immediately or get
emergency medical help:
rash
hives
itching
peeling or blistering of the skin
fever
swelling of the eyes, face, mouth. lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles or lower legs
hoarseness
difficulty breathing or swallowing
fast heartbeat
fainting
loss of consciousness
yellowing of the skin or eyes
dark urine
decreased urination
seizures
unusual bruising or bleeding
joint or muscle pain
Levofloxacin may cause problems with bones, joints, and tissues
around joints in children. Levofloxacin should not normally be given to
children younger than 18 years of age unless they have been exposed to
anthrax in the air. If your doctor prescribes levofloxacin for your
child, be sure to tell the doctor if your child has or has ever had
joint-related problems. Call your doctor if your child develops joint
problems, such as pain or swelling, while taking levofloxacin or after
treatment with levofloxacin.
Levofloxacin may cause nerve damage that may not go away even after
you stop taking levofloxacin. This damage may occur soon after you begin
taking levofloxacin. If you experience any of the following symptoms,
call your doctor immediately: numbness, tingling, pain, or burning in
the arms or legs; or a change in your ability to feel light touch, pain,
heat, or cold. If you experience these symptoms, do not take any more
levofloxacin until you talk to your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe a
different antibiotic for you to take instead of levofloxacin.
Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking levofloxacin or giving levofloxacin to your child.
Levofloxacin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a
report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse
Event Reporting program online
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and
out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from
excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any
medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist
about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at
1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call
local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your
doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to
levofloxacin.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking levofloxacin.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is
probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after
you finish taking levofloxacin, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the
prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are
taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other
dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you
visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also
important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Bacterial infections of the lungs (chest or lower respiratory tract infections), eg
bronchitis,
pneumonia.
Bacterial infections of the nasal passages, sinuses or throat
(upper respiratory tract infections) eg
sinusitis, pharyngitis.
Bacterial infections of the skin or soft tissue, eg cellulitis,
folliculitis or
erysipelas.
Bacterial infections of the middle ear (otitis
media).
Lyme disease.
Eradicating Helicobacter pylori bacteria from the gut in people
with
peptic
ulcers.
How do I take it?
The dose of this medicine and how long it needs to be taken for
depends on the type of infection you have and your age. Follow the
instructions given by your doctor. These will be printed on the
dispensing label that your pharmacist has put on the packet of medicine.
Clarithromycin is usually taken twice a day (every 12 hours).
It can be taken either with or without food.
Klaricid adult sachets contain granules that should be mixed with a small amount of water before taking.
Bottles of Klaricid paediatric suspension should be shaken before
measuring out a dose. Only use the measuring spoon provided with the
suspension. You should not use a regular teaspoon or tablespoon to take
the medicine, as this will not give an accurate dose.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is important that
you finish the prescribed course of this antibiotic medicine, even if you feel
better or it seems the infection has cleared up. Stopping the course early
increases the chance that the infection will come back and that the bacteria
will grow resistant to the antibiotic.
Warning!
Broad-spectrum antibiotics can sometimes cause inflammation of
the bowel (colitis). For this reason, if you get diarrhoea that becomes severe
or persistent or contains blood or mucus, either during or after taking this
medicine, you should consult your doctor immediately.
All antibiotics can sometimes result in overgrowth of organisms that
are not susceptible to the antibiotic, in particular fungi. You should
let your doctor know if you think you have developed any other
infections while you are taking this medicine, so that they can be
treated appropriately.
Klaricid paediatric suspension can be stored at room temperature
(below 30°C). Any suspension remaining after 14 days should be disposed
of, preferably by returning it to your pharmacist.
Use with caution in
Decreased kidney function.
Decreased liver function.
People with an abnormal heart rhythm seen on a
heart monitoring trace (ECG) as a 'prolonged QT
interval', or people at risk of this (your doctor will know).
Not to be used in
People allergic to other macrolide-type antibiotics, eg
erythromycin, azithromycin.
People taking astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, terfenadine or ergot
derivatives, eg ergotamine, dihydroergotamine.
Klaricid tablets and adult sachets are not suitable for children under 12 years of age.
Klaricid adult sachets and Klaricid paediatric suspensions contain
sucrose and are not suitable for people with rare hereditary problems of
fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or
sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency.
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or
any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
previously experienced such an
allergy. If you feel you have
experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your
doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or
breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or
breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the
unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a
pregnancy, before using any medicine.
The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been
established. It should not be used in pregnant women unless the expected
benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the developing baby. Seek
medical advice from your doctor.
This medicine passes into breast milk, but the effect on the
nursing infant is unknown. It should not be used in breastfeeding women unless
the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the
nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Label warnings
Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course
unless otherwise directed.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual
people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are
known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated
here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that
or any side effect.
Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting,
indigestion, abdominal pain.
Sore mouth or tongue.
Tongue or tooth discolouration.
Oral thrush (see warning section above).
Pins and needles sensations.
Headache.
Pain in the muscles or joints.
Disturbance of taste or smell.
Allergic skin reactions.
Dizziness.
Spinning sensation (vertigo).
Difficulty sleeping or bad dreams.
Confusion.
Reversible loss of hearing.
Inflammation of the large intestine (colitis) - see warning section above.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).
Liver or kidney disorders.
Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias).
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side
effects reported by the medicine's
manufacturer. For more
information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine,
please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor
or pharmacist.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines
you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and
herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly,
check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while
taking this one, to ensure that the
combination is safe.
Clarithromycin should not be taken by people who are taking any
of the following medicines, because clarithromycin can raise the blood levels of
these medicines, resulting in an increased risk of serious side effects:
astemizole
cisapride
dronedarone
eletriptan
eplerenone
ergot derivatives, eg ergotamine, dihydroergotamine or methysergide (used to treat
migraine)
everolimus
ivabradine
mizolastine
pimozide
ranolazine
saquinavir
simvastatin
terfenadine.
Clarithromycin may reduce the breakdown of the medicines listed
below. If the blood levels of these medicines are raised as a result, it
may lead to an increased risk of their side effects. If you are taking
one of these medicines and are prescribed clarithromycin you should let
your doctor or pharmacist know if you experience any new or increased
side effects:
alprazolam
aprepitant
bromocriptine
cabergoline
carbamazepine
ciclosporin
cilostazol
colchicine
digoxin
disopyramide
droperidol
etravirine
fesoterodine
itraconazole
maraviroc
methylprednisolone and possibly other corticosteroids
midazolam
nilotinib
pazopanib
phenytoin
quetiapine
reboxetine
repaglinide
rifabutin (increased risk of uveitis)
sildenafil
sirolimus
tacrolimus
tadalafil
theophylline
tolterodine
triazolam
vardenafil
verapamil
zopiclone.
Clarithromycin may also increase the blood levels and hence
anti-blood-clotting effects of the anticoagulants nicoumalone and warfarin. As
this may increase the risk of bleeding, people taking these combinations,
particularly elderly people, may need more frequent monitoring of their blood
clotting time (INR) so the dose of anticoagulant can be adjusted if necessary.
Clarithromycin may also increase the blood levels of
cholesterol-lowering medicines called statins, eg atorvastatin and simvastatin.
This may increase the risk of side effects on the muscles (myopathy) from these
medicines. Combined use of simvastatin and clarithromycin should be avoided.
Clarithromycin may decrease the absorption of zidovudine from
the gut. If you are taking both these medicines the clarithromycin should be
taken at least two hours before or after the zidovudine to avoid the
interaction. Ask your pharmacist for further advice.
There may be an increased risk of abnormal heart beats if
clarithromycin is taken in combination with any of the following
medicines:
anti-arrhythmic medicines (for an irregular heartbeat), eg amiodarone, disopyramide, quinidine
certain antimalarials, eg chloroquine, quinine, mefloquine, halofantrine
certain antipsychotics, eg chlorpromazine, thioridazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol.
Oral typhoid vaccine (Vivotif) should not be taken
until at least three days after you have finished a course of this
antibiotic, because the antibiotic could make this vaccine less
effective.
In the past, women using hormonal contraception such as the pill or
patch would be advised to use an extra method of contraception (eg
condoms) while taking an antibiotic like this one and for seven days
after finishing the course. However, this advice has now changed. You no
longer need to use an extra method of contraception with the pill,
patch or vaginal ring while you take a course of antibiotics. This
change in advice comes because to date there is no evidence to prove
that antibiotics (other than rifampicin or rifabutin) affect these
contraceptives. This is the latest guidance from the Faculty of Sexual
& Reproductive Healthcare.
However, if you are taking the contraceptive pill and experience
vomiting or diarrhoea as a result of taking this antibiotic, you should
follow the instructions for vomiting and diarrhoea described in the
leaflet provided with your pills.
Ritonavir may increase the blood level of clarithromycin. This
is not normally a problem, but if you have kidney problems and are taking
ritonavir your doctor may prescribe you a lower than normal dose of
clarithromycin.
Augmentin contains a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate
potassium. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called
penicillins. Amoxicillin fights bacteria in the body.
Clavulanate potassium is a form of clavulanic acid, which is similar
to penicillin. Clavulanate potassium fights bacteria that is often
resistant to penicillins and other antibiotics.
Augmentin is used to treat many different infections caused by
bacteria, such as sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis,
urinary tract infections, and infections of the skin.
Augmentin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not use Augmentin if you are allergic to amoxicillin or
clavulanate potassium, or if you have ever had liver problems caused by
this medication. Do not use if you are allergic to any other penicillin
antibiotic, such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Dispermox, Moxatag),
ampicillin (Principen, Unasyn), dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen),
oxacillin (Bactocill), or penicillin (Bicillin L-A, PC Pen VK,
Pfizerpen), and others.
Before taking Augmentin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease
(or a history of hepatitis or jaundice), kidney disease, or
mononucleosis, or if you are allergic to a cephalosporin antibiotic,
such as cefdinir (Omnicef), cefprozil (Cefzil), cefuroxime (Ceftin),
cephalexin (Keflex), and others.
If you switch from one tablet form to another (regular, chewable, or
extended-release tablet), take only the new tablet form and strength
prescribed for you. This medicine may not be as effective or could be
harmful if you do not use the exact tablet form your doctor has
prescribed.
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium can pass into breast milk and
may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Augmentin can make birth
control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone
method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to
prevent pregnancy while taking Augmentin.
Before taking this medicine
Do not use Augmentin if you are allergic to amoxicillin or
clavulanate potassium, or if you have ever had liver problems caused by
this medication. Do not use if you are allergic to any other penicillin
antibiotic, such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, Dispermox, Moxatag),
ampicillin (Principen, Unasyn), dicloxacillin (Dycill, Dynapen),
oxacillin (Bactocill), or penicillin (Bicillin L-A, PC Pen VK,
Pfizerpen)), and others.
To make sure you can safely take this medicine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
liver disease (or a history of hepatitis or jaundice);
kidney disease;
mononucleosis; or
if you are allergic to a cephalosporin antibiotic, such as cefdinir
(Omnicef), cefprozil (Cefzil), cefuroxime (Ceftin), cephalexin (Keflex),
and others.
FDA pregnancy category B. Augmentin is not expected to be harmful to
an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant during treatment. Augmentin can make birth control pills less
effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth
control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy
while taking Augmentin. Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium can pass
into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Augmentin
without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
The liquid and chewable tablet forms of this medication may contain
phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using these forms of Augmentin
if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
How should I take Augmentin?
Take Augmentin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in
larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the
directions on your prescription label.
If you switch from one tablet form to another (regular, chewable, or
extended-release tablet), take only the new tablet form and strength
prescribed for you. The strength of clavulanate potassium is not the
same among the different tablet forms, even though the amount of
amoxicillin may be the same as in the tablet you were using before. This
medicine may not be as effective or could be harmful if you do not use
the exact tablet form your doctor has prescribed. Take this medicine
with a full glass of water. Take the medicine at the start of a meal to
reduce stomach upset.
Take the medicine at the same time each day.
The Augmentin tablet should be swallowed whole.
The Augmentin Chewable tablet must be chewed before swallowing. Do not swallow a chewable tablet whole.
Do not crush or chew the Augmentin XR (extended-release) tablet.
Swallow the pill whole, or break the pill in half and take both halves
one at a time. If you have trouble swallowing a whole or half pill, talk
with your doctor about using another form of Augmentin. Shake the
liquid form of this medicine well just before you measure a dose. To be
sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked
measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you
do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Take Augmentin for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms
may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses
may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to
antibiotics. Augmentin will not treat a viral infection such as the
common cold or flu.
Augmentin can cause false results with certain lab tests for glucose
(sugar) in the urine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using
Augmentin.
Store Augmentin tablets at room temperature away from moisture and
heat. Store Augmentin liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused
liquid after 10 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, skin rash, drowsiness, and hyperactivity.
What should I avoid?
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new
infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, stop
taking Augmentin and call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop
the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
Augmentin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
allergic reaction to Augmentin: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of
your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medicine and call
your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it;
pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
easy bruising or bleeding;
skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, seizure (convulsions);
nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine,
clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or
tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple
skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes
blistering and peeling.
