Co-amoxiclav

About co-amoxiclav

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.
• Important: oral contraceptives can be less effective when taken with co-amoxiclav. To prevent an unwanted pregnancy you should use a barrier method of contraception such as a condom while you are taking co-amoxiclav and for at least 7 days after the course of treatment has ended. If the week following the antibiotic course runs into your pill free week, the next pack of oral contraceptives should be started immediately, without a break. If you are taking the form of contraceptive pill which is taken every day or need further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
• 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.

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