Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid

Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid

Antibiotics Prescription only ATC code: J01CR02

What it is

Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid is a penicillin-type antibiotic combined with a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Amoxicillin kills bacteria by blocking the building of their cell wall, while clavulanic acid protects it from enzymes that many bacteria produce to break penicillins down. The combination is used for bacterial infections, including ones that plain amoxicillin no longer clears.

Typical dose
500–875 mg
2× a day
Times
With food

Used for

  • Bacterial infection

What to know while taking it

It is taken with food, which reduces stomach upset and helps absorption. The full course is finished even after symptoms settle, because stopping early leaves the hardier bacteria behind. Probiotics are spaced a few hours away from the antibiotic, otherwise the same drug that kills the infection kills them too. It can strengthen the effect of warfarin, so anticoagulation is watched more closely, and liver enzymes ALT and AST are checked because this combination can raise them.

When to see a doctor

A penicillin allergy rules this drug out, and any rash, swelling of the face or lips, or trouble breathing means urgent medical help. Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or persistent pain under the right ribs, and severe or bloody diarrhoea during or after the course, are reasons to see a doctor rather than wait it out.

Worth knowing

  • Finish the full course
  • Take probiotics a few hours apart
  • Watch liver enzymes
  • Penicillin allergy is a contraindication

Interacts with

Markers to watch

Reference information, not medical advice. Discuss any change with your doctor.