CLAVAM BID

# Amoxicillin 200 mg + Clavulanic Acid 28.5 mg ## Short Description Amoxicillin 200 mg + Clavulanic Acid 28.5 mg is a **prescription antibiotic combination** used to treat certain bacterial infections. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic, while clavulanic acid helps protect amoxicillin from destruction by certain bacterial enzymes called beta-lactamases. > **Note:** The exact strength may be expressed per 5 mL in some oral suspension formulations. Always verify the concentration printed on the medicine label before dosing. ## Key Benefits * Helps treat susceptible bacterial infections * Provides broader antibacterial coverage than amoxicillin alone against certain beta-lactamase-producing bacteria * May be used for respiratory, ear, sinus, urinary and skin infections when clinically appropriate * Clavulanic acid helps preserve the antibacterial activity of amoxicillin * Available in pediatric formulations when specifically prescribed ## Uses / Indications Amoxicillin 200 mg + Clavulanic Acid 28.5 mg may be prescribed for susceptible bacterial infections such as: * **Acute bacterial sinusitis** * **Acute otitis media (middle-ear infection)** * Lower respiratory tract infections * Skin and soft-tissue infections * Urinary tract infections * Dental infections * Other bacterial infections when confirmed or strongly suspected to be susceptible This medicine does **not** treat viral infections such as the common cold or influenza. ## How It Works **Amoxicillin** kills susceptible bacteria by interfering with the formation of the bacterial cell wall. Some bacteria produce **beta-lactamase enzymes** that can break down amoxicillin and make it ineffective. **Clavulanic acid** inhibits certain of these enzymes, helping protect amoxicillin from breakdown. The combination therefore provides antibacterial activity against some bacteria that may be resistant to amoxicillin alone. ## Dosage & Administration * Take Amoxicillin 200 mg + Clavulanic Acid 28.5 mg exactly as prescribed * **Do not determine the dose from the strength alone**, particularly for children * Pediatric dosing is generally calculated according to **body weight, infection type and kidney function** * If supplied as an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose * Measure the suspension using the supplied oral syringe or measuring device * Take the medicine at the start of a meal or with food to reduce stomach upset and improve clavulanate absorption * Space doses evenly throughout the day according to the prescribed schedule * Complete the full prescribed course, even if symptoms improve * Do not stop treatment early unless advised by your doctor * If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose * Do not take two doses together to compensate for a missed dose * Do not use leftover antibiotics for a future illness ## Side Effects Common side effects may include: * Diarrhea * Nausea * Vomiting * Stomach discomfort * Mild skin rash * Headache Other possible adverse effects include: * Oral or vaginal fungal infections * Abnormal liver enzyme levels * Antibiotic-associated diarrhea Seek urgent medical attention for: * Difficulty breathing * Swelling of the face, lips or throat * Severe skin rash or blistering * Persistent or bloody diarrhea * Yellowing of the skin or eyes * Severe abdominal pain ## Precautions & Warnings * Do not use this medicine if you have previously experienced a serious allergic reaction to **penicillins, cephalosporins or related beta-lactam antibiotics** * Tell your doctor about any previous antibiotic allergy * Tell your doctor if you have **liver disease or kidney disease** * Patients with kidney impairment may require dose adjustment * Stop and seek medical attention if signs of a serious allergic reaction occur * Severe or persistent diarrhea during or after antibiotic treatment may indicate **Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea** * Prolonged use may result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi * Tell your doctor if you have previously developed liver problems while taking amoxicillin/clavulanate * Take the medicine with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects * Do not use antibiotics for viral infections unless a bacterial infection is diagnosed or strongly suspected * Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding * Keep out of reach of children ## Drug Interactions Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, OTC medicines, supplements and herbal products you use. Important interactions include: * **Warfarin and other anticoagulants** — may require additional monitoring * **Methotrexate** — amoxicillin may increase methotrexate exposure and toxicity risk * **Allopurinol** — may increase the likelihood of skin reactions * **Probenecid** — may increase and prolong amoxicillin levels * **Mycophenolate mofetil** — antibiotic treatment may affect mycophenolate exposure * Other antibiotics — should only be combined when specifically prescribed * Hormonal contraceptives — routine contraceptive effectiveness is generally maintained, but vomiting or severe diarrhea may reduce oral contraceptive reliability Always provide your healthcare professional with a complete list of medicines you take. ## Storage Information * Store the medicine according to the manufacturer's instructions * Keep tablets or unopened products in their original packaging * If supplied as a **reconstituted oral suspension**, follow the product label regarding refrigeration and storage duration * Shake the suspension well before each use * Do not use a reconstituted suspension beyond the period specified by the manufacturer * Keep the container tightly closed * Keep out of reach and sight of children * Do not use after the expiry date ## Prescription Status Amoxicillin 200 mg + Clavulanic Acid 28.5 mg is generally a **prescription-only antibiotic**. It should be used only when prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. ## Genuine Medicine Assurance * Purchase the antibiotic only from a licensed and reputable pharmacy * Use it only against a valid prescription * Check the medicine name and stated strength * Verify the batch number and expiry date * Ensure the packaging, seal and label are intact * If it is a suspension, check that the product has been properly prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions * Do not use medicine from damaged, altered or suspicious packaging * Purchase medicines from authorized sources * If you suspect the medicine is counterfeit, consult a pharmacist or the appropriate medicine regulatory authority ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is Amoxicillin 200 mg + Clavulanic Acid 28.5 mg used for? It is an antibiotic combination used to treat certain **susceptible bacterial infections**, including some ear, sinus, respiratory, urinary, skin and dental infections. ### Is Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid an antibiotic? Yes. It is a **penicillin-type antibiotic combination** containing amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. ### What does Clavulanic Acid do? Clavulanic acid blocks certain bacterial beta-lactamase enzymes that can destroy amoxicillin. This allows amoxicillin to remain active against some beta-lactamase-producing bacteria. ### Is this medicine effective for viral infections? No. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid does not treat viral infections such as **colds, influenza or most viral sore throats**. ### Can Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid be used for children? Yes, pediatric formulations may be prescribed for children. The dose must be calculated according to **body weight, infection and kidney function** and should be determined by a healthcare professional. ### Is 200 mg + 28.5 mg the dose for each child? Not necessarily. In many liquid formulations, these amounts refer to the quantity of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid **per 5 mL**. Always check the product label and prescribed dose. ### How should I give the oral suspension? Shake the bottle well before each dose and measure the prescribed amount using an oral syringe or measuring device. Follow the storage instructions on the product label after reconstitution. ### Should Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid be taken with food? Yes. Taking it **at the start of a meal** can help reduce stomach upset and improve absorption of clavulanic acid. ### Can this antibiotic cause diarrhea? Yes. Diarrhea is one of the most common side effects. Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhea requires medical evaluation because it may indicate antibiotic-associated colitis. ### Can Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid cause an allergic reaction? Yes. People allergic to penicillins or related antibiotics may experience allergic reactions. Severe reactions can include swelling, difficulty breathing and widespread rash and require immediate medical attention. ### Can I stop the antibiotic when I feel better? Do not stop it early unless your doctor tells you to. Follow the prescribed treatment duration to ensure the infection is appropriately treated. ### What happens if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take two doses together. ### Can I take Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid with paracetamol? Paracetamol can generally be used with this antibiotic, but always follow the recommended dose and inform your healthcare professional about all medicines you take. ### Can I take Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid with ibuprofen? There is no major direct interaction for most people, but suitability depends on your medical condition and other medicines. Ask a pharmacist or doctor if you regularly use ibuprofen, particularly if you have kidney problems or stomach ulcers. ### Can this medicine be taken during pregnancy? Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid may be used during pregnancy when clinically appropriate. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy before starting treatment. ### Can I take Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid while breastfeeding? Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid can be used in some breastfeeding patients when medically indicated. Consult your healthcare professional before treatment. ### Can this antibiotic affect the liver? Rarely, amoxicillin/clavulanate can cause liver injury or changes in liver enzymes. Seek medical advice if you develop yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe persistent abdominal symptoms. ### Does Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid cause sleepiness? Sleepiness is not a typical side effect. However, illness itself or other medicines taken at the same time may cause tiredness or drowsiness. ### Can I drink alcohol while taking this antibiotic? There is no specific major alcohol interaction for most people, but alcohol can worsen nausea, stomach upset or dehydration. Avoid excessive alcohol while recovering from an infection. ### Can I use leftover Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid? No. Antibiotics should not be saved for future illnesses. The correct antibiotic and dose depend on the specific infection and patient. ### How quickly does Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid work? Some symptoms may begin improving within a few days, but the response depends on the type and severity of infection. Contact your doctor if symptoms do not improve or become worse. ### Is Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid stronger than Amoxicillin alone? It provides broader activity against certain bacteria that produce beta-lactamase enzymes. However, it is **not automatically better for every infection**. The appropriate antibiotic should be selected based on the suspected or confirmed bacteria and clinical condition. ### Can Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid cause fungal infections? Yes. Antibiotic treatment can sometimes allow fungi such as Candida to overgrow, potentially causing oral or vaginal thrush. ### What should I do if I develop a rash? Contact your doctor, particularly if the rash is widespread, severe, blistering or accompanied by fever, facial swelling or breathing difficulty. A rash can sometimes indicate an allergic reaction. ## Medical Disclaimer This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Amoxicillin 200 mg + Clavulanic Acid 28.5 mg is a prescription antibiotic and should be used only under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional. **The exact concentration and dose must be confirmed from the product label**, especially for pediatric oral suspensions. Dosage depends on the infection, age, body weight, kidney function and other individual factors. Do not use antibiotics for viral infections or share leftover antibiotics. Seek urgent medical attention for difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling, severe skin reactions, persistent or bloody diarrhea, or other serious symptoms.