When a person suffers from an infection caused by bacteria, they need to take antibiotics to help their body to be resilient and able to destroy the bacteria. There are various types of antibiotics used in treatment, let’s find out the use of augmentin in treatment!
Introduction
Augmentin is an antibiotic drug produced from a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. The combination of these two active ingredients will be more effective than the effect of amoxicillin if given alone. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic from the penicillin group that is used to fight against bacterial infections and stop the growth of bacteria in the human body. Potassium clavulanate is a beta lactamase inhibitor that works to prevent some bacteria from becoming resistant to amoxicillin.
Uses of Augmentin
This antibiotic is widely used in the treatment of various types of infections, prescription for consuming this drug is usually used for:
- Ear infections
- Sinus infections
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin infections
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD
How To Use Augmentin ?
Usually before the drug is prescribed, there are various things about your condition which should be informed to the doctor because the dosages are variable to ensure the effectiveness of the drug in the human body to be at the optimal level to treat the disease. Among the things that need to be evaluated before prescribe the medicine are:
- Age
- Weight
- Health status
This medicine should be taken after meals on a daily basis. To be more effective, you need to take this medicine at the same time every day. Continue taking this medicine until you complete it based on the amount of tablets that has been issued by the doctor who treats you.
Stop taking this medicine by ignoring the guidelines given by your doctor can cause the bacteria to grow again and the possibilities for you to be re-infected are high. Please inform the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing if the symptoms still persist and become more severe.
Forms and content of Augmentin
Augmentin that available in the drug store have different concentration levels:
Liquid suspension: 125 mg/31.25 mg per 5 ml, 250mg/62.5 mg per 5 ml
Immediate-release tablets: 250 mg/125 mg, 500 mg/ 125 mg, 875 mg/125 mg
Extended-release tablets: 1000 mg/62.5 mg
The ratio of each drug varies, the first amount states the concentration of amoxicillin and the second amount is for clavulanic acid.
Concentration of augmentin to be used in every individual is based on the needs and assessments that will be performed by the physician according to the level of severity experienced by the patient..
What To Do If I Miss A Dose?
If you forget to take the medicine at the right time, you should take it as soon as you realize it. However, if the next dose is only a few hours away, ignore the missed dose and take the next dose on the next cycle. Never double your medication at a time just because you want to replace the missed dose.
Side Effects
Among the side effects that can occur when you take this medicine and usually gradually disappear in a few days are:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Vaginitis (caused by a fungal infection)
- Skin rash
More serious side effects that require medical attention:
1. Liver problems
- Fatigue or weakness
- Yellowish skin and eyes
- Abdominal pain
2. Intestinal infections
- Nausea
- Cramps or stomach pain
- Persistent diarrhea
- Bloody stools
3. Allergic reactions
- Severe skin rash
- Swollen lips, throat and tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itching
Conclusion
Using antibiotics in unnecessary conditions can cause this medicine not to work effectively if you become infected in the future. Please make sure that your body is really sick due to certain diseases, get a confirmation and undergo an examination with a doctor first to determine whether the condition you are experiencing requires antibiotics or not. Every consumption of antibiotics in daily life should get a consultation and advice from a doctor.
