Amoxyclav 1000 mg (Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid)

Description

Introduction

Amoxyclav 1000 mg (Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid) is an oral antibiotic tablet containing amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. It is used for bacterial infections when this combination is appropriate. The 1000 mg strength does not specify how much of each ingredient is in a tablet; check the pack or ask a pharmacist for the exact amounts.

The choice of antibiotic depends on the infection, the likely bacteria and relevant medical history. Amoxyclav does not treat colds, influenza or other viral illnesses.

What Is It?

Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic. Clavulanic acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Together, the ingredients are known as co-amoxiclav. They have different roles in treating infections caused by susceptible bacteria.

Amoxyclav 1000 mg is a tablet taken by mouth. Tablets containing amoxicillin and clavulanic acid can have different amounts of each ingredient. The exact composition matters when a healthcare professional selects a medicine and should be confirmed from this product’s pack.

How Does It Work?

Amoxicillin interferes with the formation of bacterial cell walls. Some bacteria produce enzymes called beta-lactamases, which can break down amoxicillin. Clavulanic acid inhibits some of these enzymes and helps protect amoxicillin from their action.

This combination can act against certain susceptible bacteria, but it does not work against every bacterial infection. Resistance can affect whether treatment is effective. A clinician may use the type and location of an infection, along with test results when needed, to guide treatment.

Common Uses

Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are used for certain bacterial infections affecting the ears, sinuses, respiratory tract, skin and urinary tract. The combination is also used for some dental infections. These are uses of the ingredients; the suitability of Amoxyclav 1000 mg for a particular infection requires clinical assessment.

Symptoms alone do not always show whether an illness is bacterial. Unnecessary antibiotic use can contribute to resistance and expose a person to side effects without treating the cause of the illness.

Available Strengths

This family is available in 375 mg, 1000 mg.

Key Features

• Oral tablet containing amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.
• Combines a penicillin-type antibiotic with a beta-lactamase inhibitor.
• Labelled 1000 mg; the individual ingredient amounts should be checked on the pack.
• Used for bacterial infections when the combination is appropriate for the bacteria involved.

Benefits

• Clavulanic acid inhibits some enzymes that would otherwise break down amoxicillin.
• The combination can treat certain infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
• The tablet provides an oral treatment option when a suitable tablet has been prescribed.
• Appropriate antibiotic treatment can help clear a susceptible bacterial infection.

Possible Side Effects

• Common effects include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and thrush.
• Rash or itching may occur. A suspected allergic reaction should be assessed promptly.
• Severe or persistent diarrhoea, especially watery or bloody stools, needs prompt medical assessment. It may develop during treatment or after it ends.
• Breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, or blistering or peeling skin requires urgent medical care.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual fatigue or upper abdominal discomfort may indicate a liver problem and needs prompt assessment.

Precautions

• Tell the prescriber about any previous allergy to penicillins, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, or other antibiotics.
• Discuss any previous liver problem or jaundice after taking amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.
• Kidney or liver disease may affect treatment decisions and should be mentioned before use.
• Tell a healthcare professional if glandular fever is suspected, as a rash can occur with amoxicillin in this setting.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with a healthcare professional before treatment.

Additional Precautions

• Use this antibiotic only for the infection for which it was prescribed.
• Do not share prescribed antibiotics with anyone else, even when their symptoms seem similar.
• Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or do not improve as expected.
• Report a history of severe diarrhoea or a serious reaction during previous antibiotic treatment.
• Check the pack for the amount of each ingredient and any additional warnings. Ask a pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Storage Instructions

• Keep the tablets in their original packaging and out of children’s sight and reach.
• Keep tablets away from excess heat and moisture.
• Follow the storage directions printed on the supplied pack.
• Ask a pharmacist how to dispose of expired or unused tablets.

How to Take

• Follow the prescriber’s directions and the label on the supplied pack. The treatment schedule and duration depend on the infection and individual circumstances.
• Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid tablets are commonly taken with food to reduce stomach upset. Follow the directions for this tablet.
• Check with a pharmacist before crushing or splitting a tablet, as this depends on its formulation.
• Complete the prescribed course unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise, even if symptoms improve.
• For a missed dose or if more than prescribed has been taken, consult the pack leaflet or a healthcare professional. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Drug Interactions

• Warfarin may require closer monitoring when taken with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.
• Allopurinol may increase the chance of a skin rash.
• Probenecid can affect how amoxicillin is removed from the body.
• Methotrexate may require review or monitoring during concurrent treatment.
• Tell a prescriber or pharmacist about prescription medicines, non-prescription medicines and supplements before treatment.

Why Choose This Product?

• Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid have complementary actions against some susceptible bacteria.
• The oral tablet may be an option when this antibiotic combination and a tablet formulation have been prescribed.
• Treatment can be considered in light of the infection, allergy history and other medicines.
• The ingredient amounts on the pack allow a healthcare professional to confirm that this tablet matches the intended prescription.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Amoxyclav 1000 mg an antibiotic?

Yes. It contains amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, an antibiotic combination also called co-amoxiclav.

Does 1000 mg mean 1000 mg of amoxicillin?

The strength alone does not establish that. Check the pack or ask a pharmacist for the amount of each ingredient.

Does Amoxyclav treat viral infections?

No. Antibiotics do not treat colds, influenza or other viral illnesses.

Which bacterial infections can the combination treat?

It is used for certain ear, sinus, respiratory, skin, urinary tract and dental infections. A clinician determines whether it fits a particular infection.

Can it cause stomach upset?

Yes. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea can occur. Seek advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.

What if there is a penicillin allergy?

Tell the prescriber before treatment. A history of a serious antibiotic reaction needs careful assessment.

Can it be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

A healthcare professional can assess its use in either situation based on the infection and individual circumstances.

Can other medicines affect treatment?

Yes. Warfarin, allopurinol, probenecid and methotrexate are among medicines that warrant review.

When is urgent medical care needed?

Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, a severe skin reaction, or signs of a serious liver problem.

Related Products

• Amoxyclav 375 mg (Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid)
• Amoxyclav 1000 mg (Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid)
• Metronidazole 600 Mg Australia
• Amoxicillin 500Mg Capsule Australia
• Levofloxacin 750 Mg Australia