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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Co-amoxiclav

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Co-amoxiclav

  • Important: co-amoxiclav is a type of penicillin and it should not be taken by those who are allergic to penicillin.

About co-amoxiclav

Type of medicinePenicillin antibiotic
Used forInfections
Also calledAugmentin®, Augmentin-Duo®
Available asTablets, dispersible tablets, oral suspension and injection

Co-amoxiclav contains two ingredients, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Co-amoxiclav is used to treat bacterial infections, such as infections of the chest and throat, by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria. It can also be used in high-risk patients to prevent infections occurring.

Before taking co-amoxiclav

Before taking co-amoxiclav make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from kidney or liver problems.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine, particularly any penicillin antibiotic.

How to take co-amoxiclav

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Take co-amoxiclav at regular intervals and complete the prescribed course. It is important to take the full course, even if you feel your infection has cleared up, to prevent the infection reoccurring. A course of treatment does not usually last longer than 14 days.
  • If you have been given dispersible tablets, dissolve or mix your dose in water before taking it.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember, then try to wait about four hours before taking the next dose. Do not take two doses within one hour or so.
  • If you notice no improvement after completing your course of co-amoxiclav make an appointment to see your doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Some people develop thrush (an infection in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of antibiotics. If you think you have thrush speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
  • If you are taking co-amoxiclav oral liquid, you may find it stains your teeth. This is not permanent and should disappear shortly after your course of co-amoxiclav has finished.
  • If you are using hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), the current advice (January 2011) is that additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are not required during a course of this antibiotic unless you are sick or have diarrhoea. If you need further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
  • This antibiotic may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can co-amoxiclav cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Upset stomachTry taking your dose just before a meal-time
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids. If this continues, becomes severe, or contains blood, speak to your doctor straight away

Important: If you develop an itchy rash, swollen face or mouth, or have difficulty breathing, stop taking co-amoxiclav and speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

Important: If you experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store co-amoxiclav

  • Keep co-amoxiclav suspension in a refrigerator, and do not store or use it for longer than 7 days.
  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3609DocRef: dils3152Last Reviewed: 9 Sep 2008Version: 24
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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