Co-amoxiclav is a broad-spectrum, combination antibiotic medication designed to treat a wide range of bacterial infections effectively. It combines amoxicillin, a penicillin-class antibiotic, with clavulanic acid, a beta-lactamase inhibitor, to overcome bacterial resistance mechanisms. This synergistic formulation ensures robust antimicrobial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens, making it a first-line choice for clinicians in managing moderate to severe community and hospital-acquired infections. Its reliability and comprehensive coverage have established it as a cornerstone in empirical and directed antibacterial therapy.

Features

• Contains amoxicillin trihydrate and potassium clavulanate in precise, standardized ratios (e.g., 500 mg/125 mg, 875 mg/125 mg)
• Available in multiple formulations: oral tablets, dispersible tablets, and powder for suspension
• Exhibits time-dependent bactericidal activity by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis
• Enhanced spectrum due to clavulanic acid’s inhibition of beta-lactamase enzymes
• Manufactured under strict pharmaceutical compliance (GMP/ISO standards)

Benefits

• Effectively eradicates a broad spectrum of bacteria, including beta-lactamase-producing strains
• Reduces the risk of treatment failure and antibiotic resistance development
• Facilitates rapid symptomatic relief and shorter infection duration
• Suitable for both adult and pediatric populations (subject to formulation and dosing)
• Supports high tissue penetration, ensuring therapeutic concentrations at infection sites
• Minimizes the need for switching or combining antibiotics in polymicrobial infections

Common use

Co-amoxiclav is indicated for bacterial infections such as:

• Upper and lower respiratory tract infections (e.g., sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia)
• Urinary tract infections (e.g., cystitis, pyelonephritis)
• Skin and soft tissue infections (e.g., cellulitis, abscesses)
• Dental infections (e.g., periodontitis, dental abscess)
• Otitis media and other ear, nose, and throat infections
• Bone and joint infections (e.g., osteomyelitis)

Dosage and direction

Dosage must be individualized based on infection severity, pathogen susceptibility, renal function, and patient age/weight.
Adults:

• Standard dose: One 500 mg/125 mg tablet every 8 hours or one 875 mg/125 mg tablet every 12 hours
• Severe infections: Higher doses or more frequent administration as per clinician guidance

Children:

• Dosed based on body weight (e.g., 25–45 mg/kg/day of the amoxicillin component, divided every 8 or 12 hours)
• Use pediatric suspension for accurate dosing in younger children

Take with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve earlier.

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; monitor liver enzymes periodically
• Assess renal function before and during prolonged therapy; adjust dose in renal impairment
• May cause false-positive glucose tests in urine; use glucose-specific methods for confirmation
• Prolonged use can result in fungal or bacterial superinfection (e.g., candidiasis, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea)
• Not recommended during pregnancy or lactation unless potential benefits outweigh risks

Contraindications

• History of hypersensitivity to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other beta-lactam antibiotics
• Previous history of co-amoxiclav-associated jaundice or hepatic dysfunction
• Patients with infectious mononucleosis due to high risk of rash
• Severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min) without dose adjustment

Possible side effect

Common (≥1/100):

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Skin rash, urticaria
• Transient elevations in liver enzymes

Uncommon (≥1/1000):

• Vaginal candidiasis or thrush
• Headache, dizziness
• Reversible leukopenia or thrombocytopenia

Rare (<1/1000):

• Hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Interstitial nephritis
• Hemolytic anemia
• Prolonged prothrombin time (in patients on anticoagulants)

Drug interaction

• Probenecid: Redrenal excretion of amoxicillin, increasing serum levels
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): May enhance anticoagulant effect; monitor INR
• Allopurinol: Increased incidence of skin rash
• Oral contraceptives: Reduced efficacy; advise alternative contraception during treatment
• Methotrexate: Delayed elimination, increasing toxicity risk

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose to catch up. Resume the regular dosing schedule.

Overdose

Symptoms may include gastrointestinal disturbances (severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), electrolyte imbalances, or CNS effects (agitation, confusion, convulsions). Management is supportive; maintain hydration and electrolyte balance. Hemodialysis may enhance elimination of both components.

Storage

• Store tablets and powder below 25°C in a dry place, protected from light
• Reconstituted suspension: Refrigerate (2–8°C); discard after 7–10 days as per manufacturer instructions
• Keep out of reach of children

Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment decisions, and personalized dosing. Do not self-medicate.

Reviews

“Co-amoxiclav has been a reliable agent in our hospital for respiratory and abdominal infections. The combination offers excellent coverage, though we monitor liver function in prolonged courses.” — Dr. Elena Rostova, Infectious Disease Specialist
“Effective for pediatric otitis media, but gastrointestinal side effects can be bothersome. Using it with probiotics seems to help.” — Pediatric Pharmacist Review
“Rapid clinical response in skin and soft tissue infections. However, always check allergy history meticulously.” — Clinical Case Summary, Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy