Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml

About

Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml belongs to a class of drugs called “beta-lactamase inhibitors” (broad spectrum antibiotics). It is a combination antibiotic used to fight antibacterial infections. 

Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml contains amoxicillin (an antibiotic from the penicillin group of medicines that works by preventing the formation of the protective bacterial wall, essential for the survival of the bacteria) mixed with clavulanic acid (a beta lactamase inhibitor which reduces resistance and enhances the activity of amoxicillin by preventing bacteria from breaking it down), allowing the antibiotic to work better and up to its full efficacy.  

It is available on prescription, as tablets, in liquid form and as an injection, usually only given in the hospital. Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml is best prescribed for short-term treatment of bacterial infections of respiratory tract, genito-urinary tract, skin, bone, and tooth among others.

Common side effects of this medication are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and thrush. 

Dosage of Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml depends on age, severity of condition, patient's response to medicine and their comorbidities. In children it is also based on their weight.

 

Indications

It is used in the treatment of:

• Infections of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs)
• ENT (eyes, nose and throat) infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin and soft tissue infections.
• Dental infections
• Joint and bone infections

 

 

How does Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml work?

It is a beta-lactamase inhibitor (broad spectrum antibiotic) containing amoxicillin (an antibiotic from the penicillin group of medicines that works by preventing the formation of the protective bacterial wall, essential for the survival of the bacteria) mixed with clavulanic acid (a beta lactamase inhibitor which reduces resistance and enhances the activity of amoxicillin by preventing bacteria from breaking it down), allowing the antibiotic to work better and up to its full efficacy.  

How to use Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml?

• Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml is available as tablets, in liquid form and as an injection, usually only given in the hospital.
• Usual dose of Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml is 1 tablet (either 375mg or 625mg) to be taken thrice daily. 
• For children; the dose is usually lower. The correct dose is calculated using your child’s weight. 
• Tablets should be taken with a meal to avoid feeling sick.
• Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water (Do not chew or crush the tablet). If you find it difficult to swallow, you can break them into half and then swallow one piece after the other. 
• Make sure your doses are evenly spaced out throughout the day, at least 4 hours apart. 
• If you have been prescribed Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml in its liquid form, shake the bottle properly before using it. You will be provided with a plastic syringe or spoon, by your pharmacist, to help you measure out the correct dose. 
• To allow your body to adjust to the medication, your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml and then gradually increase it with time. 

 

Dosage

ADULTS 

Tablet:

• In severe infections: 

• • 625 mg thrice daily, or 
  • 1 gm twice daily.

• In mild to moderate infections: 

• • 375 mg thrice daily, or 
  • 625 mg twice daily for up to 14 days, then review.

 

Injection: 

1.2 gm by IV inj or intermittent infusion 8 or 6 hourly. Treat up to 14 days then review.

 

CHILDREN:

Suspension:

(156.25 mg)

• Under 3 mth, not recommended.
• 3-9 mth, 2.5 mL half-strength.
• 9 mth-2 yr, 5 mL half-strength.
• 2-6 yr, 5 mL. 

All, 3 times daily for up to 14 days, then review.

(312.5 mg)

• 6-12 yr, 5 mL.

Three times daily for up to 14 days, then review.

 

Injection:

• Up to 3 month, 30 g/kg every 12 hour in premature and full term infants during the perinatal period
• increasing to 8 hr thereafter; 3 mth-12 yr, 30 mg/kg 8 or 6 hourly. 
• All by IV injection or intermittent infusion for up to 14 days, then revise.

Pregnancy use and lactation

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor before using Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml.

If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml. 

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml:

• Penicillin hypersensitivity (allergy) - allergic reaction indicated by skin rash, swelling around face area, wheezing, chest tightness and breathing difficulty
• History of Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml associated or penicillin associated jaundice or hepatic (liver) dysfunction.
• If you have or think you may have glandular fever
• Liver problems
• Kidney problems
• Not passing urine regularly
• Liquid form is not suitable for people with a rare inherited condition called phenylketonuria as it may contain aspartame which may be harmful for you. 

 

 

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions while using Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml:

• Renal (kidney) impairment - monitor kidney function
• Hepatic (liver) impairment - monitor liver function
• Risk of crystalluria (cloudy urine) with high doses, patients should be well hydrated. Do not dilute syrup below half-strength
• Renal impairment (kidney damage)
• Infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever caused by EBV)
• Risk of acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (inflammatory skin condition resulting in large fluid-filled blister-like areas) - in such a case, discontinue permanently.

 

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml, hence, in that case your doctor might alter your dosage and make sure to monitor blood sugar levels more closely.

Please inform your doctor about the use of the following before taking Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml:

• Anticoagulants such as warfarin
• Allopurinol and probenecid (used to treat gout)
• Oral contraceptives
• Methotrexate (used to treat cancer or rheumatic diseases)
• Mycophenolate mofetil (used to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs
• Positive Coombs test.

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml has some side effects which include:

Common:

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhoea 
• Thrush

Serious:

• Hypersensitivity/allergic skin reactions; in this case discontinue 
• Hepatitis (inflamed or infected liver)
• Cholestatic jaundice (jaundice due to reduced bile flow)
• Erythema multiforme (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome) (inflammatory skin reaction to infection or some medicines)
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis (severe skin reaction)
• Exfoliative dermatitis (redness and peeling of the skin over large areas of the body)
• Vasculitis (inflamed blood vessels)
• Rarely prolongation of bleeding time
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Convulsions-fits (particularly with high doses or in kidney impairment)
• Superficial staining of teeth with suspension
• Phlebitis at injection site
• Blood dyscrasias (disorders)
• CNS (brain-related) effects
• Antibiotic associated colitis (inflamed large intestine)

How to cope with some of the adverse effects

• Nausea (feeling sick) - Take Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml with meals to avoid feeling sick.

• Vomiting/Diarrhoea - Keep yourself hydrated by having lots of fluids and if the problem persists, consult your doctor before taking any medication for vomiting and diarrhoea

• Thrush - Inform your doctor and ask for advice about what to do. 

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects.

Key facts about Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml

• Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml is a combination antibiotic belonging to a class of drugs called “beta-lactamase inhibitors” (broad spectrum antibiotics), used to fight antibacterial infections. 
• It contains amoxicillin (an antibiotic from the penicillin group of medicines that works by preventing the formation of the protective bacterial wall, essential for the survival of the bacteria) mixed with clavulanic acid (a beta lactamase inhibitor which reduces resistance and enhances the activity of amoxicillin by preventing bacteria from breaking it down).
• It is prescribed to adults and children.
• Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml is available as tablets, in liquid form and as an injection, usually only given in the hospital.
• Tablets should be taken with a meal to avoid feeling sick.
• Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml in its liquid form can stain your teeth. However, it is not permanent and brushing your teeth properly will help you get rid of the stains. 
• It is usually prescribed to be taken thrice daily and you will start feeling better in a few days. 
• Common side effects of this medication are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and thrush. 
• Matter of concern arises if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling on the face and difficulty breathing, in which case you need to inform your doctor immediately. 
• Do not use left over Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml to treat any infection in the future. 

FAQs

1. WHAT EXACTLY DOES Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml DO?

It is a beta-lactamase inhibitor (broad spectrum antibiotic) containing amoxicillin (an antibiotic from the penicillin group of medicines that works by preventing the formation of the protective bacterial wall, essential for the survival of the bacteria) mixed with clavulanic acid (a beta lactamase inhibitor which reduces resistance and enhances the activity of amoxicillin by preventing bacteria from breaking it down), allowing the antibiotic to work better and up to its full efficacy.

2. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml TO START WORKING?

After taking Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml you will start to feel better in a few days. 

3. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO TAKE Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml FOR?

The duration for using Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml depends on the type and severity of the infection. Yu will probably be prescribed to take it for 5-14 days. If you do not feel better after completing your course of medicine, or if you feel worse at any time, contact your doctor.

4. CAN I STOP TAKING Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml?

Do not just stop taking the medicine, make sure to complete your treatment course even if you feel better. Stopping it suddenly may cause the bacteria to start multiplying again and the infection could come back. The bacteria could also develop resistance to the antibiotic which will make it ineffective in the future.

5. CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WITH Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml?

Consuming alcohol when taking Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml is not known to cause any severe problems but if you are already feeling sick as a side effect of Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml, it might make it worse. 

6. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml?

If you have taken one extra dose of Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml it is unlikely to harm you. Side effects of taking Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml more than the prescribed dose are upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and (seizure) fits. Contact your doctor immediately if you have taken 2 or more doses and experience any serious symptoms. 

7. WHAT IF I FORGET TO TAKE Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml?

Incase you miss a dose, take your next dose on time and do not try making up for the missed dose by doubling it up. If it helps to remind you, set an alarm so you do not miss any dose. Make sure to complete your course of treatment even if you feel better and think you do not need to take it anymore.

8. CAN I TAKE Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING?

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor before using Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml.

If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml.

9. IS IT SAFE TO USE Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml FOR A LONG TIME?

Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml is usually generally recommended for 5-14 days, therefore, do not take it for any longer than the prescribed time period. 

10. CAN I DRIVE OR RIDE A BIKE AFTER TAKING Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml?

Make sure you know how your body reacts while using Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml as it is known to make you feel dizzy. Do not drive or use any machinery until you feel normal again

11. HOW SHOULD Augmentin BD 457mg/5ml Suspension 70 ml BE STORED?

Keep the medicine tightly closed in the packet it came in. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. Do not freeze the liquid form of the medication. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people. Dispose of the unused medicine.