“Augmentin 375 mg Tablet: Complete Guide to Uses, Dosage & Side Effects”

🔬 What is Augmentin 375 mg?

Augmentin 375 mg is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It combines Amoxicillin, a penicillin-type antibiotic, with Clavulanic acid, a β-lactamase inhibitor that enhances amoxicillin’s effectiveness against resistant bacteria.

This formulation helps overcome antibiotic resistance by inhibiting enzymes (β-lactamases) that would otherwise inactivate amoxicillin.

⚙️ Mechanism of Action

• Amoxicillin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, causing cell lysis and death.
• Clavulanic acid blocks β-lactamase enzymes produced by resistant bacteria, allowing amoxicillin to remain effective.

Together, they offer broad antibacterial coverage, including β-lactamase-producing organisms.

💡 Common Uses (Indications)

Augmentin 375 mg is used to treat:

1. Respiratory tract infections (e.g., bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis)
2. Ear infections (otitis media)
3. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
4. Skin and soft tissue infections
5. Dental infections
6. Bone and joint infections
7. Infections resistant to plain amoxicillin

📏 Dosage and Administration

✅ Typical Adult Dosage:

• Augmentin 375 mg tablet taken every 8 hours (three times daily)
• Take with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects

Note: The 375 mg dose is generally used for mild to moderate infections. More severe infections may require higher strengths (e.g., 625 mg or 1 g formulations).

💧 Important Notes:

• Do not crush or chew tablets unless advised
• Complete the full course even if symptoms improve early
• Dosage may be adjusted based on kidney function

🚫 Contraindications

• Known allergy to penicillins or cephalosporins
• History of cholestatic jaundice or liver dysfunction due to Augmentin
• Severe liver or kidney disease (use with caution)

⚠️ Warnings and Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with renal impairment
• Monitor liver function during prolonged use
• Risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, including Clostridium difficile infection
• May reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives
• Avoid alcohol during treatment (may increase GI upset)

💢 Possible Side Effects

Common:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Skin rash
• Abdominal pain

Less Common:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Vaginal yeast infections

Rare but Serious:

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
• Liver dysfunction or hepatitis
• Blood disorders (e.g., thrombocytopenia)
• Seizures (in very high doses or with renal dysfunction)

Seek immediate medical help if you experience severe rash, difficulty breathing, or jaundice.

🤰 Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Pregnancy: Generally considered safe (Category B); consult a doctor
• Breastfeeding: Small amounts pass into breast milk; generally safe but monitor for diarrhea or yeast infections in the infant

🔄 Drug Interactions

• Oral contraceptives: May reduce effectiveness
• Allopurinol: Increases risk of rash
• Probenecid: Increases blood levels of amoxicillin
• Methotrexate: May increase toxicity when taken together

📦 Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature (15–25°C)
• Keep in original packaging, away from moisture and light
• Keep out of reach of children