Why is it prescribed?
Apo-Amoxi Clav® tablets contains amoxicillin and clavulinic acid.
Apo-Amoxi Clav® is used to treat many infections caused by susceptible bacteria. This material will be limited to infections of the respiratory tract (e.g. sinusitis, tonsilitis, bronchitis) and the middle ear.
Side Effects
Apo-Amoxi Clav® tablets contains amoxicillin and clavulinic acid.
Allergic reactions can occur with Apo-Amoxi Clav® use. People with a history of allergy, asthma, hay fever or hives seem to be more susceptible to these reactions. The reaction can be immediate and severe. Allergic symptoms include wheezing, hives, itching, swelling, spasms in the throat and breathing tubes, joint and muscle pain, difficulty breathing, fever and skin rashes. Nausea and vomiting are not symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Amoxicillin is a semisynthetic penicillin. If you have an allergy to penicillin you should not take Apo-Amoxi Clav® .
Cephalosporins (e.g. cephalexin, cefaclor) are a distinct group of antibiotics related to penicillins. People allergic to cephalosporins may also be allergic to penicillins. Taking the antibiotic repeatedly or for prolonged periods may result in bacterial or fungal overgrowth which can lead to a second infection. When this occurs the Apo-Amoxi Clav® may need to be stopped and another antibiotic prescribed to treat the new infection.
Diarrhea often develops while taking Apo-Amoxi Clav®. This is sometimes caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut that are not killed by the antibiotic. In severe cases, this may be life threatening and would require treatment with other antibiotics. In mild cases, symptoms disappear shortly after the drug is discontinued.
Drug Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. In some cases, the dose of one or both drugs may need to be altered or another drug may be prescribed. The following drugs or drug classes have been known to interact with Apo-Amoxi Clav®
- oral contraceptives (e.g. Triphasil®)
- probenecid (e.g. Benemid®)
- Use is not recommended in the following situations:
- allergy to any member of the penicillin, clavulanic acid or cephalosporin (e.g. cephalexin, cefaclor) group of antibiotics
- history of liver problems associated with Apo-Amoxi Clav® use
- infectious mononucleosis
Caution is recommended in the following situations:
- liver problems
- kidney problems
Use in pregnancy: Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect you are pregnant.
Use while breast-feeding: Consult your doctor or pharmacist before you begin breast-feeding.
Patient Information
Use exactly as prescribed.
Apo-Amoxi Clav® should be taken at the start of a meal or snack to reduce stomach upset and maximize absorption. Take Apo-Amoxi Clav® at even intervals around the clock as prescribed (e.g. every 8 hours translates to 3 times a day) until finished. Failure to take the complete course can result in incomplete elimination of the bacteria which can lead to a relapse of the infection. The prescribed course generally lasts a few days longer than symptoms of the infection (e.g. fever). Treatment usually lasts 7 to 10 days. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take 2 doses at once (unless you have been instructed to do so). Contact your pharmacist if you are not sure what to do.
Apo-Amoxi Clav® may produce an allergic reaction which can range in severity from a mild rash or itching to a life-threatening reaction. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience rash, itching, fever, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or anything else that alarms you.
If diarrhea occurs (severe or persistent) contact your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat diarrhea without being instructed to do so.
Directions for Use
The usual adult dose is 250-500 mg every 8 hours or 875 mg every 12 hours.
Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug
amoxicillin
- bronchitis
- middle ear infections
- pharyngitis
- pneumonia
- respiratory tract infections
- sinus infections
- sinusitis
- tonsilitis
- upper respiratory tract infections
clavulinic acid
- no information available at this time.
Need More Information?
For more information contact your physician, pharmacist, other health care professional or for general questions call your local lung association.
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