Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid

In Aotearoa New Zealand, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid is available as tablets (625 mg), 2 strengths of liquid suspension and can be given as an injection in the hospital. 

• The dose of amoxicillin + clavulanic acid will be different for different people depending on the type of infection and your age. 
• The usual dose in adults is 1 tablet 3 times a day.
• The dose for children will depend on their body weight. It's usually given 3 times a day. 
• Your healthcare provider will advise you how long to take amoxicillin + clavulanic acid for (usually 3 to 10 days).
• Always take your medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.

• Tablets: Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water.
• Liquid: Shake the bottle well and measure the dose with an oral syringe or measuring spoon.
• Timing of your doses: Take amoxicillin + clavulanic acid with or after food. This helps to prevent stomach upset.  Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid is usually given 3 times a day. Try to space the doses evenly throughout the day, such as first thing in the morning, early afternoon and at bedtime. 
• Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's nearly time for your next dose, take the next dose at the right time. Don't take extra doses to make up for a forgotten dose. If you're not sure what to do, ask your healthcare provider.
• Finish the course: Take the whole course of antibiotics for the number of days your doctor has told you to. Don't stop taking it, even if you feel your infection has cleared up. If you stop your treatment early, your infection could come back.

Here are some things to know when you're taking amoxicillin + clavulanic acid. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• Alcohol: It’s generally a good idea to avoid alcohol when your body is dealing with an infection but alcohol doesn’t interfere with how amoxicillin + clavulanic acid works. This means that most people could have the occasional drink while taking it without any serious problems. However, if amoxicillin + clavulanic acid makes you feel sick (nausea), don’t drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse.
• Oral contraceptives: You don’t need to take any extra precautions while you’re taking amoxicillin + clavulanic acid because it doesn’t affect your oral contraceptive. But if the antibiotics or the illness they're treating cause diarrhoea or vomiting lasting more than 24 hours, absorption of the contraceptive pill may be affected. If this happens, ask your healthcare provider for advice about what is needed to prevent a pregnancy.
• Other medicines: Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid interacts with some medicines, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this antibiotic.
• Storage of the liquid: Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid liquid should be stored in the fridge and only lasts 7 days. If your child has been prescribed treatment for more than 7 days you’ll need to collect a repeat of this medicine from your pharmacy.

Like all medicines, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the  medicine.

Allergic reaction

Tell your healthcare provider if you've had an allergic reaction to a medicine, especially a penicillin antibiotic. True penicillin allergy is rare – fewer than 5 out of 10,000 people are allergic to penicillin. Most people who think they have a penicillin allergy do not. Read more about penicillins and penicillin allergy.

If you develop signs of an allergic reaction (eg, skin rash, itching, swelling of your lips, face and mouth, or difficulty breathing) stop taking this antibiotic and get medical help quickly.  

Other side effects

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.