How does co-amoxiclav work?
Co-amoxiclav is a similar antibiotic to penicillin. It works by combining amoxicillin with clavulanic acid to kill the bacteria that cause an infection.
Sometimes amoxicillin cannot kill the bacteria on its own. This is because some types of bacteria produce an enzyme (called beta-lactamase) that breaks amoxicillin down.
Clavulanic acid prevents the enzyme from doing this, so that amoxicillin can work properly to kill the bacteria.
When will I feel better?
For most infections, you should feel better within a few days.
It's very important that you keep taking co-amoxiclav until you finish your course. Do this even if you feel better. It will help stop the infection coming back.
Is it safe to take for a long time?
You're generally recommended to take co-amoxiclav for up to 14 days.
Do not take this medicine for longer, unless the doctor has seen you again and thinks it is necessary.
What will happen if I stop taking it?
If you stop taking co-amoxiclav before your course of medicine has finished, the bacteria that are left will start multiplying again and the infection could come back.
The bacteria can also grow resistant to the antibiotic and this medicine might not work so well for you in the future.
If you do not feel better after finishing the medicine, or if you feel worse at any time, talk to your doctor.
Will it affect my contraception?
Co-amoxiclav does not stop any type of contraception from working, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.
However, if co-amoxiclav makes you vomit or have severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Look on the pill packet to find out what to do.
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Can I drive or ride a bike?
Rarely, co-amoxiclav can cause side effects such as feeling dizzy.
If this happens to you, do not drive a car, ride a bike, or use tools or machinery until you feel OK again.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking co-amoxiclav. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.
Can I drink alcohol while taking co-amoxiclav?
There's no specific warning about not drinking alcohol while taking co-amoxiclav.
However, if the medicine is making you feel sick, then drinking alcohol could make this side effect worse.
Drinking large amounts of alcohol while taking co-amoxiclav can make you more likely to get side effects affecting your liver.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
Apart from not drinking too much alcohol, you can eat and drink normally while taking co-amoxiclav.