Augmentin is a combination type antibacterial agent. It is used to treat pathologies caused by infection, as a prophylactic of infectious processes after surgery.

Release forms and composition

Augmentin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that belongs to penicillins. This is a combined synthetic medication. It includes amoxicillin, clavulanic acid. Amoxicillin is contained in the form of amoxicillin trihydrate. The second active substance is in the form of a potassium salt.

Augmentin antibiotic is made in the UK.

The manufacturer has issued several forms of this medication for the convenience of the user:

  • powder for the manufacture of a suspension with a dosage of 125 mg, 200 mg, 400 mg;
  • powder for the manufacture of an injection solution;
  • tablets with a dosage of 250 mg, 500 mg, 875 mg.

Due to the variety of forms of the antibacterial drug, it is possible to easily select the required dosage of Augmentin, which is especially important for the treatment of children and weakened elderly people.

Pharmacological properties and pharmacokinetics

Augmentin is a unique drug due to the active ingredients contained in various dosages.This allows you to choose the most suitable form of medication in a particular case. Amoxicillin trihydrate refers to penicillins. It negatively affects a large number of pathogens, most often causing various infectious diseases.

This drug is well tolerated, thus making it possible to use the drug to treat newborns and women in position. But against the background of prolonged use on amoxicillin trihydrate, bacteria develop resistance. Pathogens begin to synthesize a substance that has a destructive effect on this active component.

Clavulanic acid, which is also an active substance of Augmentin, does not allow microorganisms to produce a destructive substance. Thus, not only amoxicillin trihydrate activity is not lost, but also the antibacterial properties of the antibiotic are enhanced.

Augmentin is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that is effective against the following pathogenic bacteria:

  • streptococcus;
  • pneumococci;
  • staphylococci;
  • chlamydia
  • whooping cough;
  • E. coli;
  • treponemas.

After penetration into the interior, the active components of Augmentin are absorbed without residue into the circulatory system, are found in all organs. Metabolism occurs in the liver cells, the excretion process in the kidneys.

Why appoint Augmentin

Instructions for use states that this medication is used to eliminate diseases caused by penicillin-sensitive bacteria.

It is intended for therapy:

  • genitourinary tract;
  • gynecological pathologies;
  • bone tissue;
  • gonorrhea;
  • mixed infections;
  • respiratory tract;
  • soft tissue;
  • odontogenic infections;
  • peritonitis.

This drug is used before extensive surgical interventions to prevent the development of infectious processes.

Instructions for use and dosage for children and adults

Augmentin is prescribed by a doctor based on the characteristics of the body, the age of the patient, his body weight, concomitant diseases. If therapy is required for people suffering from kidney failure, it is necessary to adjust the dosage of the drug.

Note. For children over 12 years old, the dosage of the adult population is used.

Augmentin tablets 250, 500, 875 mg

Augmentin tablets are used during meals. This allows you to minimize the development of side effects from the digestive system. In addition, the tablets are protected by an enteric coating, which prevents the active ingredients from being exposed to the aggressive effects of digestive enzymes. The doctor is solely responsible for the exact dosage, given the patient’s condition.

The following dose is usually recommended:

  • from 12 years old, it is prescribed to drink 250 mg three times a day with mild pathology. With an average infection, 500 mg is prescribed three times. In severe pathologies, it is indicated to drink 850 mg twice a day;
  • tablet form is also prescribed for children. In this case, the dose of the drug is calculated based on the weight of the child. Usually, 40 mg of drug per 1 kg of weight. In severe conditions, the following calculation is performed: per 1 kg of weight - 45 mg of the drug. The resulting dose is the maximum daily, which is divided into two or three doses.

Augmentin tablets are given to patients from 6 years. Treatment usually lasts 5 days. Heavier infections are treated for at least 2 weeks.

Powder for oral suspension

Augmentin Suspension for Children is available in powder form, which requires prior dissolution. This process requires 95-110 ml of pure water. The drug should be prepared immediately before therapy. After treatment, the suspension must be discarded.

Important! Treatment of children in the first year of life requires a triple intake of Augmentin. For children over 12 months, the recommended dosage is divided into 2 times.

Most often, this form is used for children from three months of age. The pediatrician is responsible for prescribing the dosage of the suspension, in accordance with the weight and age of the baby. A mild disease requires 25 mg of the drug per 1 kg of the child's weight. Severe pathologies require the appointment of 45 mg per 1 kg of weight.

Powder for solution for injection

Powder for injection is dissolved in saline. Injections are done only intravenously. They can be put even to newborns. A mild disease requires the introduction of one ampoule up to 3 times per day. In a more severe course of the disease, ampoules are administered four times. As a prophylaxis before surgery, 1 to 4 injections are required. It depends on the extent of the surgery.

During pregnancy and lactation

During pregnancy, the use of any medications is not indicated. Augmentin is no exception. Nevertheless, this tool, if necessary, can be used to treat women who are expecting a baby.

And also this antibiotic is allowed to be used during lactation. Its active substances penetrate into the children's body with breast milk and can harm it. Therefore, a nursing mother taking Augmentin should carefully monitor the child's reaction. In case of any undesirable manifestations in the baby, you should stop the therapy with this medication or during this period feed the baby with the milk mixture.

Drug interaction

Augmentin, like many antibiotics, interacts difficult with some drugs:

  • with probenecid, the concentration in the circulatory system of amoxicillin increases;
  • with allopurinol, the likelihood of adverse reactions in the form of a skin rash is high;
  • with methotrexate, toxic load on liver cells increases;
  • with anticoagulants, the risk of thrombosis is increased.

Augmentin decreases the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.

Augmentin Alcohol Compatibility

Drinking alcohol does not change the therapeutic effect of Augmentin. But the “tandem” of the active substances of the antibiotic and alcohol has a negative effect on the liver. The cells of the body experience a large toxic load, which can lead to a malfunction in its work.

Contraindications, side effects and overdose

This medication (all its forms) has contraindications:

  • allergy to active ingredients;
  • serious impaired liver function;
  • renal failure;
  • phenylketonuria.

Augmentin should be used with caution in pregnant and lactating women. In addition, it is important to strictly follow the recommended dosage and use the drug of the required form.

Against the background of taking Augmentin, the manifestation of undesirable reactions in the form of the following disorders is possible:

  • thrush;
  • nausea
  • Dizziness
  • stool changes;
  • digestive disorders;
  • itchy skin;
  • urticaria;
  • rash
  • anemia
  • thrombophlebitis;
  • leukopenia;
  • Quincke's edema;
  • anaphylactic shock;
  • seizures
  • jade.

If side effects occur, it is necessary to stop taking Augmentin, consult a doctor for dosage adjustment or drug replacement.

An overdose of a drug is manifested by a violation of the digestive system, kidneys, which requires immediate medical intervention.

Antibiotic Analogs

With individual intolerance, the agent is replaced by Augmentin analogues.

Usually, this drug is replaced with the following antibacterial compounds:

  • Amoxiclav, which has the same active ingredients as Augmentin. The drug is prescribed for laryngitis, skin infections, pharyngitis, bronchitis. Approved for use in childhood;
  • Flemoxin Solutab, which consists only of amoxicillin trihydrate.The antibiotic is actively used for infectious, inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, genitourinary system, and skin. Not recommended for use by pregnant, lactating women;
  • Amoxicillin, which is an antibiotic of the penicillin group, is widely used in various diseases. This medicine has many side effects, contraindications;
  • Ecobol, which consists of amoxicillin, is used to treat many infections. The drug is not prescribed for pregnant, lactating women.

You should consider a replacement option with a doctor who will help you choose the right drug and its dosage.

Augmentin is a modern antibacterial agent that is characterized by reduced toxicity. Thanks to what is used in obstetrics, pediatrics.

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