Co-Amoxiclav

Type of Medication: Antibiotic

Indications: Treatment of community acquired upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Treatment of pulmonary infections including due to bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus and Moraxella catarrhalis

Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhoea, rash, colitis, hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice (risk 6 times greater than with amoxicillin alone), erythema multiforme, vasculitis, prolonged bleeding time, fits, phlebitis, vaginal itching and discharge, transient blood dyscrasias, superficial staining of teeth with suspension.

Route of administration:  Adult (Intravenous)

Dose:1.2 g every 8 hours. Frequency can be increased to every 6 hours in serious infections.

Administration:

Route of administration: Adult (Oral)

Dose:375 mg tds, may be doubled in severe infections to 625 mg tds.

Route of administration: Paediatric (Intravenous)

Dose:3 months-12 years: 30 mg/kg every eight hours. In more serious infections, increase frequency to every six hours. 0-3 months: 30 mg/kg every 12 hours in premature infants and in full-term infants during the perinatal period, increasing to eight hours thereafter.

Administration:

Route of administration: Paediatric (Oral)

Dose:25 mg/kg/day in divided doses every eight hours. In more serious infections the dosage may be increased up to 50 mg/kg/day in divided doses every eight hours.

Administration: Under 1 year: 25 mg/kg/day, for example a 7.5 kg child would require 2 ml Augmentin 125/31 SF Suspension t.d.s. 1-6 years:(10-18 kg) 5ml Augmentin 125/31 SF Suspension t.d.s. Over 6 years (18-40 kg): 5ml Augmentin 250/62 SF Suspension t.d.s.Tablets are not recommended for children under 12 years

Examples of some Drug Interactions

nteracting drug: Allopurinol

increased risk of rash

Interacting drug: Methotrexate

reduced excretion of methotrexate

Interacting drug: Probenecid

reduces excretion of penicillins