Co-amoxiclav - Brand name: Augmentin

What co-amoxiclav is for

Co-amoxiclav is mainly used to treat bacterial infections, including some:

• ear and sinus infections
• infections of parts of the body involved in breathing, such as the throat, airways or lungs (respiratory tract infections)
• skin infections
• dental infections

How to take co-amoxiclav

Co-amoxiclav usually comes as tablets or a liquid that you swallow.

Your dose and how long you take it for depends on why you're taking it. Most people need to take it 3 times a day for a few days or weeks.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

When taking co-amoxiclav:

• space the doses evenly during the day, at least 4 hours apart
• take it with a meal (this helps reduce side effects such as feeling or being sick)
• swallow tablets whole with a glass of water
• use the syringe or spoon that comes with the medicine to help you measure out the right dose if you're taking liquid co-amoxiclav

If you miss a dose of co-amoxiclav

If you forget to take a dose of co-amoxiclav, take it as soon as you remember. Wait at least 4 hours before your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much co-amoxiclav

Taking an extra dose of co-amoxiclav is unlikely to cause problems.

Side effects of co-amoxiclav

Like all medicines, co-amoxiclav can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of co-amoxiclav include:

• diarrhoea
• feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
• thrush (a fungal infection)

Co-amoxiclav will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery. But if you feel dizzy after taking it, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until the dizziness stops.

Serious side effects

Co-amoxiclav can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of co-amoxiclav include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
• skin reactions – causing symptoms such as a rash with blisters or peeling skin, or a rash around your bottom, inner thighs, armpits and neck
• a problem with your liver - causing symptoms such as pale poo with dark pee, yellowing of the whites of your eyes or your skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
• an inflamed pancreas (acute pancreatitis)  – causing severe pain in your stomach or back that does not go away

Who can and cannot take co-amoxiclav

Most adults and children can take co-amoxiclav.

But co-amoxiclav is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've ever had an allergic reaction to co-amoxiclav or another antibiotic – this can include a skin rash or swelling of the face and throat
• you've ever had liver problems or jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes or the skin) when taking antibiotics
• you have (or think you may have) glandular fever
• you have kidney problems

Before taking co-amoxiclav, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and co-amoxiclav

You can usually take co-amoxiclav while breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby, or notice side effects in your baby such as:

• diarrhoea
• oral thrush (mouth thrush)
• a skin rash
• not feeding as well as usual or unusually irritable
• being sleepy or unusually tired

Pregnancy and co-amoxiclav

You can usually take co-amoxiclav if you're pregnant and your doctor thinks you need it.

Find out more about taking co-amoxiclav during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking co-amoxiclav with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with co-amoxiclav.

These include:

• gout medicines, such as allopurinol or probenecid,
• warfarin (used to prevent blood clots)
• methotrexate (used to treat cancer or rheumatoid arthritis)

Before taking co-amoxiclav, tell your doctor if you’re taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with co-amoxiclav

You can eat as normal while taking co-amoxiclav.