Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium)

Augmentin side effects 

Augmentin can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Augmentin. This list does not include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of Augmentin or for tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Mild and more common side effects

The more common side effects of Augmentin include:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• skin rash*
• vaginitis (caused by problems such as yeast infection)
• vomiting

Other mild side effects reported in clinical trials include:

• abdominal discomfort
• gas
• headache

These side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• Liver problems: It’s not common, but some people who take Augmentin can develop liver damage. This seems to be more common in older adults and those who take Augmentin for a long time. Usually these problems go away when people stop taking the medication, but sometimes, the problems may be severe and require treatment. Tell your doctor if you develop symptoms of liver problems while taking Augmentin. Your doctor may do blood tests to check for liver damage. Symptoms can include:
  • abdominal pain
  • fatigue
  • yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
• Intestinal infection: Some people who take antibiotics, including Augmentin, can develop an intestinal infection called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). Tell your doctor if you develop symptoms of this infection. Symptoms can include:
  • severe diarrhea that doesn’t go away
  • abdominal pain or cramping
  • nausea
  • blood in your stool
• Severe skin reactions: Serious skin reactions can occur with Augmentin treatment. These reactions include Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). Symptoms of a severe skin reaction can include:
  • red or discolored skin rash
  • blisters and skin peeling
  • fever
  • flu-like symptoms
• Drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome (DIES): Amoxicillin, one of the active ingredients in Augmentin, can cause DIES. This is a type of allergic reaction that affects the digestive system. DIES is more likely to occur in children taking Augmentin than in adults. If you develop symptoms of DIES during Augmentin treatment, contact your doctor. They will have you stop taking the drug and treat this side effect. Symptoms can include:
  • prolonged vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • skin that’s paler than usual
  • feeling sluggish
  • low blood pressure
  • shock
  • elevated white blood cell levels
• Allergic reaction: Serious allergic reactions can occur in some people who take Augmentin. This is more likely to happen in people with a penicillin allergy. You may not be able to take this medication again if you’ve ever had a serious allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal. If you’ve had a reaction to this medication in the past, talk with your doctor before taking it again. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include:
  • severe skin rash
  • hives
  • swelling of the lips, tongue, throat
  • trouble breathing

Side effect details

Below are details about some of Augmentin’s side effects. For more information about the side effects of this drug, you can refer to this article.

Rash

Many medications, including Augmentin, can cause a rash in some people. This is a common side effect of Augmentin, which is a penicillin-type antibiotic. This class of antibiotics causes skin rash more often than most other kinds of antibiotics.

In clinical trials of Augmentin, rash was one of the more common side effects. Though rare, serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), can occur. See the “Serious side effects” section above for details and possible symptoms of serious skin conditions.

Raised, itchy, white, red, or discolored bumps that occur after the first few doses of Augmentin may indicate an allergy to the medication. If this side effect occurs, contact your doctor. If you have an allergic reaction, you may need treatment with a different antibiotic.

Rashes that develop several days after you take the medication and appear as flat, red or discolored patches often indicate a different kind of rash that’s not due to an allergic reaction. These usually go away on their own after a few days.

Fatigue

Fatigue is not a common side effect of Augmentin. However, it’s common for people who are fighting infections to feel fatigued, tired, or weak. If you become fatigued after starting Augmentin or your symptoms are not improving, talk with your doctor.

Side effects in children

Children who take Augmentin can experience the same side effects as adults. However, drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome (DIES) may occur more often in children taking Augmentin than in adults. DIES is a type of allergic reaction that affects the digestive system. For more information, see the “Serious side effects” section above.

In addition, children can experience tooth discoloration more often than adults from this drug. Augmentin use can cause brown, gray, or yellow staining of children’s teeth. In most cases, brushing or dental cleaning can reduce or remove the discoloration.

Side effects in females

Side effects in females taking Augmentin are generally the same as those in males taking the drug.

However, vaginitis, including vaginal yeast infections, can sometimes occur after treatment with antibiotics, including Augmentin. If you’ve never had vaginitis before and think you might have it, see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.

It is unknown whether Augmentin is safe to take during pregnancy. The drug may affect children who are breastfed. For more information, see the “Augmentin and pregnancy” and “Augmentin and breastfeeding” sections below.

To learn more about Augmentin for females, see this article.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Augmentin dosage

The Augmentin dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

• the type and severity of the condition you’re using Augmentin to treat
• your age
• the form of Augmentin you take
• other medical conditions you may have
• body weight, in children

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs.

Forms and strengths

The two forms of Augmentin come in different strengths. For the strengths listed below, the first number is the amoxicillin amount in milligrams (mg) and the second number is the clavulanic acid amount in mg. The ratio of drug to drug is different for each strength, so you can’t substitute one strength for another.

• oral tablet:
  • 875 mg/125 mg
• oral liquid suspension (a liquid mixture):
  • 125 mg/31.25 mg per 5 milliliters (mL)
  • 250 mg/62.5 mg per 5 mL
  • 600 mg/42.9 mg per 5 mL (marketed as Augmentin ES-600)

Dosage for urinary tract infections in adults

• Typical dosage for severe infections: One 875-mg oral tablet every 12 hours
• Treatment length: Usually 10 to 14 days

Dosage for sinus infection in adults

• Typical dosage: One 875-mg oral tablet every 12 hours
• Treatment length: Usually 5 to 7 days

Dosage for skin infections such as impetigo in adults

• Typical dosage: One 875-mg oral tablet every 12 hours
• Treatment length: Usually 7 days

Dosage for ear infections in adults

• Typical dosage: One 875-mg oral tablet every 12 hours
• Treatment length: Usually 10 days

Dosage for respiratory infections such as pneumonia in adults

• Typical dosage: One 875-mg oral tablet every 12 hours
• Treatment length: Usually 10 days

Augmentin suspension for adults

The Augmentin liquid suspension form may be used instead of the tablet for adults who have trouble swallowing pills. The suspension comes in different concentrations. Your pharmacist will determine the suspension to use and the amount to take based on your doctor’s prescription.

Pediatric dosage

Doctors typically prescribe the liquid suspension form of Augmentin for children. The dosage depends on the condition being treated, its severity, and the age or weight of the child in kilograms (kg). A kilogram is equal to about 2.2 pounds (lb).

Your pharmacist will determine the concentration of the suspension and the amount your child should take based on their doctor’s prescription.

For infants younger than 3 months old

• Typical dosage: 30 mg/kg/day (based on the amoxicillin component of Augmentin). This amount is divided into two doses, with a dose taken every 12 hours.
• Typical form used: The 125-mg/5-mL suspension.

For children 3 months of age and older who weigh less than 40 kg (about 88 lb)

• Dosage for less severe infections: 20 mg/kg/day (based on the amoxicillin component of Augmentin), using the 125-mg/5-mL or 250-mg/5-mL suspension. This amount is divided into three doses, with a dose taken every 8 hours.
• Dosage for more severe infections or ear infections, sinus infections, or respiratory infections: 40 mg/kg/day (based on the amoxicillin component of Augmentin), using the 125-mg/5-mL or 250-mg/5-mL suspension. This amount is divided into three doses, with a dose taken every 8 hours.

For children who weigh 40 kg or more

• Doctors may prescribe Augmentin oral tablet instead of the liquid suspension for children of this weight. In this case, the adult dosage can be used, as described above.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. However, if it’s just a few hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the scheduled time.

Never try to catch up by taking two doses at a time. This can cause dangerous side effects.

Augmentin generic name

Augmentin is available in a generic form called amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium. The generic version of Augmentin comes in different strengths and forms than brand-name Augmentin.

Generic drugs are often less expensive than the brand-name version. Sometimes, the brand-name drug and the generic version may be available in different forms and strengths.

Augmentin cost and coupons

As with all medications, the cost of Augmentin can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Before approving coverage for Augmentin, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide whether the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Augmentin, contact your insurance company.

Drug coupons for Augmentin

You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Augmentin. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.

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Retail price refers to the manufacturer’s published list price and is up to date as of 3/2023. Retail and discounted prices are U.S.-only and can vary based on region and pharmacy. We cannot guarantee that the discounted price listed here will exactly match the price at your pharmacy. Please contact your pharmacy for the exact price.

Optum Perks and Healthline are subsidiaries of RVO Health.

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Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Augmentin, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds are two websites offering resources that may help decrease the price you pay for Augmentin. They also offer tools to help you find low cost healthcare, as well as educational resources. To learn more, visit their sites.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Mail-order pharmacies

Augmentin may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Generic version

Augmentin is available in a generic form called amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. To find out how the cost of amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium compares to the cost of Augmentin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If your doctor has prescribed Augmentin and you’re interested in using generic amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check your insurance plan, as it may only cover one or the other.

Augmentin uses

Augmentin is commonly used in adults and children to treat infections of the urinary tract, respiratory tract, ear, sinuses, and skin. Some of these uses are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and some are off-label. Off-label drug use refers to prescribing a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.

The following information describes some of the common uses of Augmentin.

Augmentin for urinary tract infection (UTI)

Augmentin is FDA-approved for treating UTIs. According to 2010 guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), Augmentin is not a first-choice antibiotic for UTI. It should be used when other medications, such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, cannot be used.

Augmentin for sinusitis (sinus infection)

Augmentin is FDA-approved for treating sinus infections in adults and children. According to 2015 guidelines from the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Augmentin is considered a first-choice medication for this condition.

Augmentin for strep

Augmentin is not FDA-approved for treating strep throat, which is also known as streptococcus pharyngitis. In addition, 2012 guidelines from IDSA do not recommend Augmentin for treating most instances of strep throat.

Augmentin for pneumonia

Augmentin is FDA-approved for treating pneumonia. It’s typically recommended in combination with other antibiotics if you have other conditions. Such conditions include heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease.

Augmentin for ear infection

Augmentin is FDA-approved to treat ear infections, also known as otitis media, in children and adults.

However, according to the 2013 guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Augmentin is not usually the first-choice antibiotic for treating ear infections in children.

Augmentin is often reserved for children who have recently been treated with another antibiotic such as amoxicillin. It may also be reserved for those who have had previous ear infections that were not effectively treated by amoxicillin.

Note that Augmentin ES-600 is approved only to treat certain ear infections in some children.

Augmentin for cellulitis

Cellulitis is a type of skin infection. Augmentin is FDA-approved to treat some types of skin infections, including cellulitis caused by certain bacteria. However, 2014 guidelines from IDSA do not recommend Augmentin as a first-choice antibiotic for treating cellulitis.

Augmentin for bronchitis

Augmentin is approved to treat certain types of respiratory infections. In some cases, this can include bronchitis.

Bronchitis is often caused by a virus, so antibiotics are not usually effective in treating it. But if you have a cough that doesn’t go away and your doctor suspects it’s caused by a bacterial infection, they may consider treating you with antibiotics such as Augmentin.

Augmentin for acne

Antibiotics are sometimes used to treat certain types of acne. Augmentin may be used off-label for this purpose. However, 2024 guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology do not recommend it as a first-choice treatment for this purpose.

Augmentin for diverticulitis

Augmentin is not FDA-approved for treating diverticulitis. However, it’s used off-label to treat it.

Augmentin and alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking Augmentin may increase your risk of certain side effects, or make your side effects worse.

Examples of side effects that might be more likely to occur or worsen with alcohol use include:

• vomiting
• dizziness
• upset stomach
• liver problems

If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor how much alcohol (if any) is safe for you to consume while you take Augmentin.

Augmentin interactions

Augmentin can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain foods.

Below is an overview of interactions Augmentin may cause. For more details about the drug’s interactions, see this article.

Augmentin and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Augmentin. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Augmentin.

Different drug interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects.

Before taking Augmentin, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Anticoagulant drugs

Taking Augmentin with oral anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners taken by mouth), such as warfarin (Jantoven), might increase the effects of the anticoagulants. This could result in increased bleeding.

If you take an anticoagulant drug with Augmentin, your doctor may need to monitor your bleeding risk more often.

Allopurinol

Taking Augmentin with allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim) might increase your risk of developing a skin rash.

Oral contraceptives

Some antibiotics, including Augmentin, might decrease how well oral contraceptives (birth control taken by mouth, such as the birth control pill) work. However, research on this interaction is inconsistent and controversial.

Until more is known about this potential interaction, consider using a backup method of contraception while taking Augmentin.

Augmentin and Tylenol

There is no known interaction between Augmentin and acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Augmentin and dairy

Milk and other dairy foods can interact with some antibiotics. However, they don’t interact with Augmentin.

How to take Augmentin

Take Augmentin exactly according to your doctor’s instructions. You might start to feel better before you finish your entire treatment. But even if you do feel better, do not stop taking Augmentin. In many cases, it’s important to finish the entire treatment to ensure that the infection does not come back.

If you’re feeling better and want to stop Augmentin early, be sure to ask your doctor if it’s safe to do so.

Timing

Augmentin is taken two or three times daily. If you take it twice daily, spread out the doses so that they’re about 12 hours apart. If you take it three times daily, spread out the doses so that they’re about 8 hours apart.

Taking Augmentin with food

You should take Augmentin with a meal. Taking it with a meal may reduce stomach upset and help your body absorb the drug better.

Can Augmentin be crushed?

Augmentin oral tablets can be crushed. If the tablet is scored (has an indented line across it), it can be split in half.

If you have trouble swallowing pills, ask your doctor or pharmacist about taking Augmentin liquid suspension instead.

How does Augmentin work?

Augmentin is a penicillin-type antibiotic. It contains two components: amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. The clavulanic acid ingredient makes Augmentin effective against bacteria that amoxicillin or other penicillin drugs may not work against when they’re taken by themselves.

Augmentin kills bacteria by attaching to proteins within the bacteria cell. This prevents the bacteria from building a cell wall, which results in the bacteria’s death.

Augmentin is considered a broad-spectrum antibiotic. This means it works against many different types of bacteria.

How long does it take to work?

Augmentin begins to work against bacterial infections within hours of when you take it. However, you may not notice improvement in your symptoms for a few days.

Augmentin and pregnancy

Augmentin’s use during pregnancy has not been studied enough to know for sure what effects it could have. Animal studies have not found any harm to the fetus when Augmentin was given to pregnant animals. However, animal studies don’t always predict what would happen in humans.

Augmentin should only be used during pregnancy if there’s a clear need for its use.

Augmentin and breastfeeding

Augmentin is known to pass into breast milk in small amounts. Although it’s generally considered safe to use during breastfeeding, it may lead to side effects in a child who is breastfed.

If you’re breastfeeding your child, talk with your doctor before taking Augmentin. They can determine whether the benefits of Augmentin treatment while breastfeeding outweigh the risks.

Augmentin vs. amoxicillin

Augmentin and amoxicillin may be easily confused with each other, but they’re not the same drug.

Is Augmentin amoxicillin?

No, they’re different medications. Augmentin is a combination medication that contains amoxicillin and another drug.

The other ingredient, clavulanic acid, helps the amoxicillin in Augmentin work against bacteria that are normally resistant to it when it’s used alone. (Resistant bacteria don’t respond to treatment with a certain antibiotic.)

Augmentin and amoxicillin are often used to treat similar types of infections. If your doctor thinks that your infection may be resistant to amoxicillin alone, they may recommend Augmentin instead.

Is amoxicillin or Augmentin stronger?

Because it contains amoxicillin as well as clavulanic acid, Augmentin works against more types of bacteria than amoxicillin alone. In this regard, it could be considered stronger than amoxicillin.

For more information about how Augmentin and amoxicillin compare, you can refer to this article.

Frequently asked questions about Augmentin

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Augmentin.

Is Augmentin a type of penicillin?

Yes, Augmentin is an antibiotic in the class of penicillins. It’s called a broad-spectrum penicillin. This is because it works against many different types of bacteria, including some that are normally resistant to penicillin drugs.

How long does Augmentin take to work?

Augmentin starts working within a few hours of when you take it. However, your symptoms may not start to improve for a few days after that.

Can Augmentin make you tired?

Augmentin doesn’t typically make you feel tired or drowsy. But if your body is fighting an infection, you’re more likely to feel weak or tired.

If you’re concerned about how tired you feel while you take Augmentin, talk with your doctor.

If I get diarrhea when I take Augmentin, does that mean I’m allergic to it?

Diarrhea and upset stomach are common side effects of Augmentin. If you experience them, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have an allergy to the medication.

However, if you have severe diarrhea or diarrhea that doesn’t go away, you should talk with your doctor.

Can Augmentin be used in cats or dogs?

Veterinarians sometimes prescribe Augmentin to treat infections in dogs and cats. The form approved for animals is called Clavamox. It’s commonly used for skin infections and gum disease in animals, but it may also be used for other kinds of infections.

If you think your dog or cat has an infection, see your veterinarian for an evaluation and treatment. Different doses of this drug are used for animals than for humans, so don’t give your pet Augmentin meant for human use.

If your dog or cat eats your prescription Augmentin, call your vet right away.

Augmentin alternatives

There are other antibiotics that treat the same conditions as Augmentin. Some may be better suited for you than others.

The best choice of antibiotic may depend on your age, the type and severity of your infection, previous treatments you’ve used, and patterns of bacterial resistance in your area.

To learn more about other medications that may work well for you, talk with your doctor.

Alternatives for UTI

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) include:

• nitrofurantoin (Macrobid, Macrodantin)
• trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
• ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
• levofloxacin

Alternatives for sinus infections

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat sinus infections include:

• amoxicillin
• doxycycline (Acticlate, Doryx, Doryx MPC, Vibramycin)
• levofloxacin
• moxifloxacin

Alternatives for skin infections

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat skin infections include:

• doxycycline (Acticlate, Doryx, Doryx MPC, Vibramycin)
• cephalexin
• penicillin V
• dicloxacillin
• clindamycin (Cleocin)

Alternatives for ear infections

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat ear infections include:

• amoxicillin
• cefdinir
• cefuroxime
• cefpodoxime
• ceftriaxone

Alternatives for pneumonia

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat pneumonia include:

• azithromycin (Zithromax)
• clarithromycin
• erythromycin (Ery-Tab)
• doxycycline (Acticlate, Doryx, Doryx MPC)
• levofloxacin
• moxifloxacin
• amoxicillin
• ceftriaxone
• cefpodoxime
• cefuroxime

Augmentin overdose

Taking too much of this medication can increase your risk of severe side effects.

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of an overdose of Augmentin can include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal pain
• dizziness
• kidney damage or failure

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you or your child has taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or through its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Overdose treatment

Treatment of overdose will depend on the symptoms you have. A doctor may do tests to check for problems with your heart, liver, or kidneys or for breathing issues. They may also check your oxygen levels. In some cases, they may administer intravenous (IV) fluids.

Augmentin expiration

When the pharmacist dispenses Augmentin, they will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, ask your pharmacist how to properly dispose of it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where the medication is stored.

Augmentin oral tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly sealed and light-resistant container. The dry powder for the liquid suspension should also be stored at room temperature. The mixed liquid suspension should be refrigerated. It’s good for 10 days in the refrigerator.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take Augmentin and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.