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What Is Augmentin?

Augmentin is a prescription antibacterial containing amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-class antibacterial, while clavulanate blocks certain beta-lactamase enzymes. The combination treats selected bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract, middle ear, sinuses, skin and skin structures, and urinary tract. Tablets and oral suspension come in several strengths.

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What Is Augmentin?

Augmentin is a prescription antibacterial containing amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-class antibacterial, while clavulanate blocks certain beta-lactamase enzymes. The combination treats selected bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract, middle ear, sinuses, skin and skin structures, and urinary tract. Tablets and oral suspension come in several strengths.

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How Do the Two Ingredients in Augmentin Work Together?

Amoxicillin disrupts bacterial cell wall production and kills susceptible bacteria during active growth. Clavulanate inactivates certain beta-lactamase enzymes that would otherwise break down amoxicillin. Pairing the two ingredients extends activity to selected beta-lactamase-producing bacteria that are resistant to amoxicillin alone.

Which Infections Are Treated With Augmentin?

Augmentin is used for selected lower respiratory tract infections, acute bacterial otitis media, sinusitis, skin and skin structure infections, and urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria. When testing shows that the organism is susceptible to amoxicillin and does not produce beta-lactamase, amoxicillin alone is preferred over the combination.

How Should Augmentin Be Taken?

Augmentin is taken at the start of a meal to improve clavulanate absorption and reduce stomach upset. Adult tablet regimens include 500 mg with 125 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg with 125 mg every 8 hours for less severe infections. More severe infections commonly use 875 mg with 125 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg with 125 mg every 8 hours.

What Safety Problems Need Attention With Augmentin?

Serious risks include anaphylaxis, severe skin reactions, drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome, liver injury, cholestatic jaundice, and Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea. Diarrhea, nausea, rash, hives, vomiting, and vaginitis are reported adverse reactions. A past episode of cholestatic jaundice or liver dysfunction linked to Augmentin is a contraindication.

Frequently Asked Questions About Augmentin

Is Augmentin the same as amoxicillin?

No. Augmentin contains amoxicillin plus clavulanate, which blocks certain beta-lactamase enzymes.

Should Augmentin be taken with food?

Yes. Augmentin is taken at the start of a meal to improve clavulanate absorption and reduce stomach upset.

Does Augmentin treat viral infections?

No. Augmentin treats susceptible bacterial infections and does not treat viral illnesses such as colds or influenza.

Can different Augmentin tablet strengths be substituted directly?

No. Different strengths contain different amoxicillin-to-clavulanate ratios, so direct substitution is not appropriate unless the prescribed formulation matches.

References

AUGMENTIN (amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium) Prescribing Information. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2026/050785s022lbl.pdf. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.

Amoxicillin and Clavulanic Acid. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a685024.html. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.

Amoxicillin Clavulanate. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538164/. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.

DailyMed - AMOXICILLIN AND CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM tablet, film coated. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=6e1c6209-660f-4043-b6a6-eac5f7665ef9. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.

DailyMed - AUGMENTIN (amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium) tablet, film coated and powder, for suspension. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=174cc098-fe49-4f1a-87e2-601c7573f0db. Date Accessed September 14, 2026.