Amoxyclav 375 mg (Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid)

Description

Introduction

Amoxyclav 375 mg is a tablet containing amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. This antibiotic combination is used for certain bacterial infections when prescribed by a healthcare professional. The 375 mg strength does not, by itself, show how much of each ingredient is in the tablet. Check the pack or ask a pharmacist to confirm the separate amounts.

What Is It?

Amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin group of antibiotics. Clavulanic acid helps prevent some bacteria from breaking down amoxicillin. Together, the ingredients are known as co-amoxiclav. Amoxyclav 375 mg is supplied as tablets for oral use. Its use depends on the infection being treated, the likely bacteria and the person’s medical history. A healthcare professional can provide guidance about this particular tablet.

How Does It Work?

Amoxicillin interferes with the formation of bacterial cell walls. Some bacteria produce enzymes called beta-lactamases that can break down amoxicillin. Clavulanic acid inhibits some of these enzymes, allowing amoxicillin to work against certain bacteria that produce them. The combination cannot treat every bacterial infection, because bacteria can resist antibiotics in several ways. The choice of treatment depends on which bacteria are likely to be involved and whether they are susceptible.

Common Uses

Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid is used for some bacterial ear, sinus, respiratory tract, skin and dental infections. These examples describe the ingredient combination; they do not establish that every infection is an appropriate use for Amoxyclav 375 mg. A clinician determines whether an antibiotic is needed and which medicine is appropriate. Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid does not treat viral illnesses, including colds and influenza.

Available Strengths

This family is available in 375 mg, 1000 mg.

Key Features

• Contains two active ingredients: amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.
• Supplied as an oral tablet labelled 375 mg.
• Combines a penicillin antibiotic with a beta-lactamase inhibitor.
• The 375 mg label should not be interpreted as the amount of amoxicillin alone.
• Check the pack or ask a pharmacist for the amount of each ingredient and for information about inactive ingredients.

Benefits

• The combination can treat infections caused by bacteria susceptible to amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.
• Clavulanic acid helps amoxicillin remain active against some bacteria that produce beta-lactamase.
• The tablet provides an oral form of the combination where tablet treatment is appropriate.
• The expected benefit depends on the infection and the susceptibility of the bacteria involved.

Possible Side Effects

• Common side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and thrush.
• A skin rash may occur. Seek medical advice if a rash develops, particularly if it spreads or is accompanied by fever.
• Severe allergic reactions can cause breathing difficulty or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. These symptoms require urgent medical attention.
• Blistering or peeling skin and signs of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, need prompt medical assessment.
• Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea needs medical assessment, even if it begins after treatment ends.
• Other side effects are possible. Consult the supplied leaflet or a pharmacist if an effect is troublesome or unexpected.

Precautions

• Tell the prescriber about any previous allergic reaction to amoxicillin, clavulanic acid, penicillins or other antibiotics.
• Discuss any history of jaundice or liver problems during treatment with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.
• Kidney or liver problems may affect the choice of medicine or the prescribed regimen.
• Tell a healthcare professional if glandular fever is suspected, as a rash can occur with amoxicillin in this condition.
• Seek advice if symptoms worsen or fail to improve as expected.

Additional Precautions

• Discuss pregnancy, plans for pregnancy or breastfeeding with a healthcare professional before treatment.
• Describe any previous serious reaction to an antibiotic, even if its name is unknown.
• Use of antibiotics when they are unnecessary contributes to antibiotic resistance.
• Check the pack with a pharmacist if an allergy to an inactive ingredient is a concern.
• Do not share prescribed antibiotics with another person, even if their symptoms appear similar.

Storage Instructions

• Follow the storage directions printed on the supplied pack.
• Keep the tablets in their original packaging and away from excess heat and moisture, unless the label directs otherwise.
• Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
• Ask a pharmacist about disposal of expired or unwanted tablets.

How to Take

• Follow the prescription and the directions on the medicine label. The amount and duration of treatment depend on clinical factors.
• Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid is generally taken with food to reduce stomach upset. Check the instructions supplied with these tablets.
• Ask a pharmacist for guidance if the label is unclear, a dose is missed or swallowing a tablet is difficult.
• Do not alter the prescribed course or save leftover tablets for another illness without medical advice.
• If more than the prescribed amount is taken, seek prompt advice from a healthcare professional or a poisons service.

Drug Interactions

• Warfarin: monitoring of anticoagulant treatment may be needed.
• Methotrexate: the risk of methotrexate-related adverse effects may increase.
• Allopurinol: taking it with amoxicillin may increase the likelihood of a skin rash.
• Probenecid: it can affect the removal of amoxicillin from the body.
• Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines and supplements. Other interactions are possible.

Why Choose This Product?

• Amoxyclav 375 mg provides amoxicillin and clavulanic acid together in tablet form.
• The combination has activity against some bacteria that can break down amoxicillin alone.
• It may be an option when a healthcare professional judges the infection likely to respond to this combination.
• Confirm the separate ingredient amounts on the pack before comparing this tablet with another strength or formulation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the active ingredients?

Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Check the pack or ask a pharmacist for the amount of each in one tablet.

Does 375 mg mean 375 mg of amoxicillin?

The 375 mg strength does not identify the amount of amoxicillin alone. Confirm the separate ingredient amounts before use.

Is Amoxyclav a penicillin antibiotic?

Yes. Its amoxicillin component belongs to the penicillin group. Discuss any penicillin allergy with a healthcare professional.

Why does it contain clavulanic acid?

Clavulanic acid inhibits some bacterial enzymes that would otherwise break down amoxicillin.

Will it treat a cold or influenza?

No. Antibiotics do not treat these viral illnesses.

What infections can this combination treat?

It is used for selected bacterial infections. A healthcare professional can advise whether this particular tablet is appropriate for the infection.

Can it cause diarrhoea?

Yes. Diarrhoea is a common side effect. Seek medical assessment if it is severe, persistent or bloody.

Can it be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Discuss the benefits and risks with a healthcare professional before use.

Can it interact with other medicines?

Yes. Medicines that require review include warfarin, methotrexate, allopurinol and probenecid.

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