Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (Clavulanate)

Welcome to Dwaey, specifically on Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (Clavulanate) page.
This medicine contains important and useful components, as it consists of
Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (Clavulanate) is available in the market in concentration.

Generic Name of Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (Clavulanate) - Learn More

Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (Clavulanate)

Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (Clavulanate) Precaution - What You Need to Know

Amoxicillin combined with clavulanic acid is used primarily for treating bacterial infections by extending the spectrum of amoxicillin to include β-lactamase-producing organisms. However, there are important considerations to take into account when prescribing this medication:

- Allergies: Patients with a known allergy to amoxicillin, clavulanic acid, or any penicillin-type antibiotic should avoid this combination due to the risk of anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions. Cross-sensitivity may occur in individuals allergic to cephalosporins as well.
- Hepatic Impairment: Clavulanic acid can elevate liver enzymes, and prolonged or high-dose use of this combination may lead to jaundice or hepatitis. Hepatic function should be monitored during treatment, especially in patients with pre-existing liver conditions.
- Renal Impairment: Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are both excreted by the kidneys, so dosage adjustments are necessary in patients with renal impairment to avoid accumulation of the drug and potential toxicity. Monitoring of renal function is advised.
- Gastrointestinal Concerns: The combination can cause gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. These are generally mild and resolve after treatment, but patients should be informed of these potential issues, especially in those with a history of gastrointestinal disorders.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are classified as Category B drugs, indicating that animal studies have not shown a risk to the fetus, but there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. These medications should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Both amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are excreted in breast milk but are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers in standard doses.

Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (Clavulanate) Indication - Uses and Benefits

Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid is a broad-spectrum antibiotic combination used to treat a variety of bacterial infections caused by organisms susceptible to amoxicillin, including those that produce β-lactamase enzymes:

- Infections Treated:
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: This combination is used for sinusitis, otitis media, and pharyngitis caused by susceptible organisms like *Streptococcus pneumoniae* and *Haemophilus influenzae*.
- Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: This includes pneumonia and bronchitis, particularly in patients with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): It is effective in treating uncomplicated UTIs caused by *Escherichia coli* and other gram-negative pathogens.
- Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Used for cellulitis, abscesses, and infected wounds caused by both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.
- Bone and Joint Infections: Can be used for treating osteomyelitis, especially when caused by susceptible organisms.

- Off-Label Uses: It may also be used in the treatment of dental infections and certain anaerobic infections. It can also be utilized in the treatment of intra-abdominal infections, such as peritonitis, due to its efficacy against a broad range of pathogens.

Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (Clavulanate) Contraindications - Important Warnings

Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid should be avoided in certain conditions:

- Hypersensitivity: Contraindicated in individuals with a known allergy to amoxicillin, clavulanic acid, other penicillins, or any cephalosporins due to the risk of anaphylactic reactions and serious hypersensitivity reactions like skin rashes or anaphylaxis.
- Liver Dysfunction: The combination should not be used in patients with a history of liver disease or jaundice associated with previous use of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid due to the potential for liver damage.
- Severe Renal Impairment: In patients with severe renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance less than 10 mL/min), the drug should be used with caution and at adjusted doses to prevent accumulation, especially of amoxicillin, which can lead to toxicity.
- Mononucleosis: Amoxicillin is contraindicated in patients with mononucleosis due to an increased risk of developing a rash, which may be mistaken for a penicillin allergy.
- Age Considerations: In neonates (under 1 month), dosage adjustments are required, and the use of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid should be carefully considered due to immature renal function in this age group.

Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (Clavulanate) Side Effects - What to Expect

The most common side effects of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are typically gastrointestinal in nature:

- Common Side Effects:
- Diarrhea: The most frequent side effect, often due to the disruption of normal gut flora.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Mild nausea and vomiting can occur, particularly with higher doses or prolonged therapy.
- Rash: A mild skin rash may occur, but this is generally not severe. Severe rashes or signs of anaphylaxis require immediate medical attention.

- Serious Side Effects:
- Liver Damage: Hepatotoxicity, including hepatitis and jaundice, can occur, particularly in patients with pre-existing liver disease. Liver function tests should be monitored if the treatment is prolonged.
- Clostridium difficile-associated Diarrhea: As with other broad-spectrum antibiotics, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid can alter gut flora and lead to a *C. difficile* infection, which can result in severe, persistent diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- Anaphylaxis and Hypersensitivity: Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported. Symptoms like swelling, difficulty breathing, or severe skin reactions require immediate cessation of therapy and emergency medical attention.
- Blood Dyscrasias: Rarely, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid can cause blood disorders like thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, or hemolytic anemia, which may require discontinuation of the drug.

Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (Clavulanate) Pregnancy Category ID - Safety Information

2

Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (Clavulanate) Mode of Action - How It Works

Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid work together to provide a broad antibacterial effect:

- Amoxicillin: A penicillin-type antibiotic, amoxicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). This results in weakened cell walls, leading to bacterial cell lysis and death. It is effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.
- Clavulanic Acid: Clavulanic acid is a β-lactamase inhibitor. It works by binding to and inhibiting the β-lactamase enzymes produced by resistant bacteria. These enzymes typically break down the β-lactam ring in antibiotics like amoxicillin, rendering them ineffective. By inhibiting β-lactamases, clavulanic acid enhances the effectiveness of amoxicillin against bacteria that would otherwise be resistant.

Together, these drugs expand the spectrum of amoxicillin, allowing it to treat infections caused by β-lactamase-producing bacteria, which are otherwise resistant to many β-lactam antibiotics.

Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (Clavulanate) Drug Interactions - What to Avoid

Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid interact with several other medications:

- Probenecid: The use of probenecid can reduce renal excretion of amoxicillin, increasing its plasma concentration. This may enhance the therapeutic effect but also increases the risk of side effects.
- Oral Contraceptives: While not a major concern, antibiotics like amoxicillin may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Patients should consider using an alternative form of contraception during treatment.
- Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin): Amoxicillin can increase the effects of warfarin, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. Regular monitoring of INR levels is recommended during co-administration.
- Methotrexate: Amoxicillin can increase the levels of methotrexate by reducing its renal clearance, which may enhance the toxicity of methotrexate. Close monitoring is recommended when these drugs are used together.
- Other Antibiotics: Combining amoxicillin/clavulanic acid with other broad-spectrum antibiotics like tetracyclines or aminoglycosides should be done with caution due to the potential for drug interactions that could affect the efficacy of the treatment.

Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (Clavulanate) Adult Dose - Recommended Dosage

- Standard Dosing:
- Amoxicillin: 500 mg every 8 hours or 875 mg every 12 hours.
- Clavulanic Acid: 125 mg of clavulanic acid in combination with the appropriate dose of amoxicillin.
The standard duration of treatment is typically 7-10 days, but this can vary depending on the type and severity of the infection.

- Maximum Dose: The maximum dose should not exceed 2,000 mg of amoxicillin and 250 mg of clavulanic acid in a single dose, and the total daily dose should not exceed 4,000 mg of amoxicillin and 500 mg of clavulanic acid.

Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (Clavulanate) Child Dose - Dosage for Children

- Pediatric Dosing: Dosing in children is based on weight and the severity of the infection. Typical pediatric doses are:
- For children 3 months and older: 20-40 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin (divided into three doses per day), with 5-10 mg/kg/day of clavulanic acid.
The dose is generally adjusted to a maximum of 1,000 mg amoxicillin and 125 mg clavulanic acid per dose for children over 40 kg.

- Safety Considerations: Pediatric patients should be monitored closely for any adverse effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances and signs of allergic reactions.

Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (Clavulanate) Renal Dose - Dosage for Kidney Conditions

- Renal Impairment: Dosing adjustments are necessary in patients with renal impairment:
- For patients with a creatinine clearance of less than 30 mL/min, the dosage should be reduced to avoid toxicity, as amoxicillin is primarily excreted by the kidneys. The typical dose for these patients is 500 mg of amoxicillin/125 mg of clavulanic acid every 12 hours.