Why is it prescribed?
Clavulin® suspension contains amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.
Clavulin® 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
Clavulin® suspension contains amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.
Allergic reactions can occur with Clavulin® 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 Clavulin®.
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 Clavulin® may need to be stopped and another antibiotic prescribed to treat the new infection.
Diarrhea often develops while taking Clavulin®. 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 Clavulin®
- 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 Clavulin® 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.
Clavulin® should be taken at the start of a meal or snack to reduce stomach upset and maximize absorption. Clavulin® suspension must be shaken well before each use. It should be stored in the refrigerator and never frozen. It is unacceptable to dilute the medication in large volumes of liquid that will not be consumed immediately (e.g. baby's bottle). If you are having difficulty giving a child the medication ask your pharmacist for suggestions.
To measure the prescribed dose, it is important that you have an appropriate measuring device. Ask your pharmacist to help you select the best one if you do not already have one.
Take Clavulin® 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.
Clavulin® 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
Dosing for children depends on their weight and the infection being treated. The dose for children is 20 to 40 mg of amoxicillin component per kg of body weight per day divided into two or three equal doses.
Lung Diseases Treated with this Drug
amoxicillin
- bronchitis
- middle ear infections
- pharyngitis
- pneumonia
- respiratory tract infections
- sinus infections
- sinusitis
- tonsilitis
- upper respiratory tract infections
clavulanic 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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