Explanation

Co-amoxiclav (also called Augmentin®) is a medicine that helps your body to fight infections. It is used to fight all sorts of infections all around your body, like ear iinfections and chest infections, as well as lots of others.

Co-amoxiclav contains amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. It is a type of medicine called an antibiotic.

How does it work?

The amoxicillin in co-amoxiclav works by stopping bacteria from multiplying. This gives your immune system help to fight off infections caused by bacteria.

You can often take amoxicillin by itself to fight infections caused by bacteria. But, with some types of bacteria, certain enzymes destroy the amoxicillin before it can get to work. This is called resistance.

If you take co-amoxiclav, the clavulanic acid blocks these enzymes so that the amoxicillin can do its job.

What does it look like?

Co-amoxiclav comes as a small white tablet, which you swallow with a glass of water. It also comes as a liquid for very young children, or if you find it hard to swallow tablets. You swallow the liquid from a teaspoon.

When do have to take it?

Your doctor will tell you when to take your co-amoxiclav. You will most likely need to take it three times a day, spread out evenly over the day. You must make sure that you leave at least 4 hours between each dose you take, though.

You should take it before a meal or at the start of one.

But what if I don't feel like taking it?

Taking your co-amoxiclav is important, as it will help you to fight off your infection.

It's important to take all of the co-amoxiclav that your doctor gives you. Don't stop taking it before it's all gone, even if you feel better, because if you do some bacteria may survive and the infection could come back.

What should I do if I forget to take it?

If you forget to take your co-amoxiclav, take it as soon as you remember. Then remember to wait 4 hours before you take the next dose.

Don't take twice as much next time to catch up. Remember the three Ds: Don't Double Dose!

How much should I take?

Your doctor will tell you much co-amoxiclav to take. This depends on how serious your infection is, and how old you are.

You will probably take one or two tablets, or have one or two teaspoons, three times a day.

What are the most likely side effects I might get?

The side effects you are mostly to get while taking co-amoxiclav are:

A rash on your skin

Feeling sick

Having diarrhoea (runny poo)

An infection in your mouth called oral thrush.

If these side effects make you feel very unwell, tell your doctor or pharmacist about them.

What other side effects might I get?

Some other side effects you might get from co-amoxiclav include:

Being sick

Feeling dizzy

Headache

Seizures

Having a need to move around a lot or a problem paying attention

Cloudy wee

Stained teeth - this is usually goes away after you brush them

Anaemia

Your blood might take longer to clot, which will make you bleed longer if you cut or graze yourself

If these side effects make you feel very unwell, tell your doctor or pharmacist about them.

Are there any other side effects that you haven't mentioned?

It is possible that you could get some other side effects, but they are very unusual. They include:

An allergic reaction (signs of this to look out for are a skin rash, a swollen face, lips or tongue and problems breathing)

Fever, sore throat, headache and chills

Blisters and bumps on your skin

Swollen glands under your arms

Painful joints

Blood in your poo

Dark wee, pale poo, or yellowing skin caused by liver problems

If you notice any of these side effects, stop taking your co-amoxiclav straight away and see your doctor.

Is it safe for me to be taking it?

Don't take your co-amoxiclav if you know you:

Have glandular fever - an illness that gives you a fever and swollen glands

have a problem with your kidneys

are not weeing regularly

Have had problems with your liver that have been caused by antibiotics before

Some people have an allergic reaction to co-amoxiclav. If you know you are allergic to amoxicillin, clavulanic acid, penicillin or any other type of antibiotic, don't take it, and tell your doctor!

Is it okay for me to be taking it if I'm already taking other medicines?

You should tell your doctor about any other medicines that you are taking, or have taken, recently, including herbal medicines.

It's especially important to mention if you are taking:

Medicines that help stop your blood clotting

Medicines used to treat an illness called gout, which causes painful and swollen joints

Do I need to know anything else about it?

If you are having any blood tests done, or tests of your wee, make sure you tell your doctor or nurse that you are taking co-amoxiclav.

What if I have any more questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people about co-amoxiclav in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.