AmoxicillinClavulansäure

Amoxicillin-clavulanate is a combination antibiotic containing amoxicillin, a semisynthetic penicillin, and clavulanic acid, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. The clavulanate neutralizes certain beta-lactamase enzymes produced by some bacteria, protecting amoxicillin from degradation and expanding its antibacterial spectrum beyond that of amoxicillin alone.

It is used to treat a variety of infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including acute bacterial sinusitis, otitis media, community-acquired pneumonia, COPD exacerbations, skin and soft tissue infections, and intra-abdominal or dental infections. The medication is available in oral forms such as tablets, chewable tablets, and suspensions, with common adult doses of 500/125 mg or 875/125 mg given every 12 hours or 250/125 mg every 8 hours in some regimens; pediatric dosing is weight-based. Taking it with food can reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Adverse effects are usually mild and include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and rash; hypersensitivity reactions can occur. Hepatic effects are rare but have been reported, particularly with clavulanate. It should not be used in people with a history of allergic reaction to penicillins or to clavulanic acid. Caution is advised in liver disease and in severe renal impairment; dosage may need adjustment.

Drug interactions: it can affect warfarin and other anticoagulants, and concomitant allopurinol with amoxicillin/clavulanate may increase rash risk. It may reduce the effectiveness of some oral contraceptives, and probenecid can increase clavulanate levels. The product is not effective against viruses and should be used only for confirmed or suspected bacterial infections to reduce resistance.

Brand names include Augmentin and various generics. It is generally considered safe in pregnancy when clearly indicated but should be used under medical supervision. Overuse and incorrect dosing contribute to antimicrobial resistance.