Augmentin Duo (Amoxycillin & Potassium Clavulanate 500mg / 125mg) 10 Tablets

Augmentin Duo general information

What is Augmentin Duo used for?

Augmentin Duo tablets 625mg are a combination antibiotic used for short-term treatment of a wide range of common general practice and hospital bacterial infections, including upper and lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis and pneumonia; otitis media (ear infection); urinary tract infections such as cystitis and urethritis; infections of the skin and soft tissue; septic abortion; peritonitis, septicaemia and post-surgical infections, which are caused by a variety of susceptible bacteria. Augmentin Duo tablets 625mg are also used as prophylaxis to prevent infection following major surgery.

How does Augmentin Duo work?

Augmentin Duo tablets 625mg contain a combination of two antibiotics. Amoxycillin is as an antibiotic similar to penicillin and belongs to the beta-lactam group of antibiotics, which block the formation of the bacterial cell wall and this kills the bacteria. However, amoxycillin can be inactivated by an enzyme produced by bacteria called beta-lactamase, which makes those bacteria resistant to amoxycillin. Clavulanic acid is an antibiotic structurally related to the penicillins that is able to inactivate a wide range of beta-lactamase enzymes commonly found in amoxycillin-resistant bacteria. This dual action of Augmentin Duo tablets 625mg provides a broad spectrum antibiotic and a beta-lactamase inhibitor, which extends the range of susceptible bacteria as well as helping to prevent drug resistance developing. This allows Augmentin Duo tablets 625mg to combat infection and treat a wide range of symptoms caused by bacterial infections. Augmentin tablets Duo 625mg do not work against viruses which use a different mechanism to grow and replicate.

What does Augmentin Duo contain?

Augmentin Duo tablets 625mg contain a combination of the active ingredients amoxycillin 500mg and clavulanic acid 125mg, which are antibiotics used to treat a wide range of common general practice and hospital bacterial infections. They also contain microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, talc, povidone, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, hypromellose, ethylcellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, cetyl alcohol, triethyl citrate.

Treating bacterial infection with Augmentin Duo

Augmentin Duo tablets 625mg contain a combination of two antibiotics amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Amoxycillin is a penicillin-like antibiotic that belongs to the beta-lactam group of antibiotics and blocks the formation of the bacterial cell wall which kills the bacteria. Clavulanic acid is an antibiotic structurally related to the penicillins that is able to inactivate the bacterial enzyme beta-lactamase commonly found in amoxycillin-resistant bacteria that inactivates amoxycillin. This dual action means that Augmentin Duo 625mg tablets can be used to treat a wide range of common general practice and hospital bacterial infections, including sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, infections of the skin, peritonitis, septicaemia and post-surgical infections, which are caused by a variety of susceptible bacteria, and to prevent infection following major surgery.

What are the side effects of Augmentin Duo?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Augmentin Duo tablets 625mg include: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, oral and vaginal thrush, headache, mild skin rash.

When should Augmentin Duo not be used?

You should not use Augmentin Duo tablets 625mg if you:

• are allergic to amoxycillin or any other beta-lactams antibiotic, including cephalosporins; or clavulanic acid; or any of the other ingredients in Augmentin Duo
• have had jaundice or liver problems after previously taking Augmentin Duo
• are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding, without first discussing with your doctor
• have or think you have infectious mononucleosis
• have or have had hepatitis or jaundice or kidney disease
• are taking oral contraceptives as Augmentin Duo may lower oestrogen levels
• taking medications that interact with Augmentin Duo, including probenecid and allopurinol (for gout), anticoagulants like warfarin, oral contraceptives.

How should Augmentin Duo be taken?

You should take your Augmentin Duo tablets 625mg with a glass of water with food, preferably just before a meal, to reduce stomach effects. The dose you take and how often depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendations, which may be 1-2 tablets 1-3 times a day for up to 14 days. Always finish your course of tablets even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return, and you run the risk of the bacteria causing your infection developing resistance to Augmentin Duo tablets 625mg.

How long should you take Augmentin Duo?

You should complete the course of Augmentin Duo 625mg tablets as prescribed by your doctor, which may for up to 14 days, depending on what you are being treated for. Always finish your course of tablets even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return, and you run the risk of the bacteria causing your infection developing resistance to Augmentin Duo tablets 625mg.

Missed dose of Augmentin Duo

If you miss a dose of Augmentin Duo tablets 625mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Augmentin Duo be stored?

You should keep your Augmentin Duo tablets 625mg in their blister packs until use and store below 25°C in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.