AMK

AMK is an oral antibiotic combining two active ingredients: Amoxicillin (a penicillin-class antibiotic) and Clavulanic Acid (a beta-lactamase inhibitor). It is generically known as Co-amoxiclav and is classified as a restricted medication requiring pharmacist or doctor dispensing.

Amoxicillin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis — it binds to Penicillin-Binding Proteins (PBPs), disrupting peptidoglycan formation and causing bacterial cell death. Clavulanic Acid protects Amoxicillin from being destroyed by beta-lactamase enzymes that resistant bacteria produce, giving AMK a broader spectrum than Amoxicillin alone.

Upper respiratory tract infections: Acute bacterial sinusitis, otitis media (middle ear infection), tonsillitis, bacterial pharyngitis.

Lower respiratory tract infections: Acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Skin and soft tissue infections: Wound infections, abscesses, cellulitis, and animal bite wounds.

Urinary tract infections: Cystitis (bladder infection), pyelonephritis (kidney infection).

Dental infections: Tooth abscesses and periapical infections. A large study (4,436 patients) found that Co-amoxiclav achieved complete symptom resolution in 95.55% of dental infection patients within 7 days.

Adults and children 12+ years (weight > 40 kg): Take 1 tablet twice daily, every 12 hours, immediately after food. Treatment duration is typically 5–14 days depending on infection severity.

Children under 12: Use oral suspension form, with dosage calculated by weight — consult a doctor.

Kidney disease patients: Dose adjustment required based on kidney function — consult a doctor.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never take a double dose.

Important: Complete the full prescribed course even if you feel better. Stopping early increases the risk of antibiotic resistance. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets.

Common side effects:

• Diarrhoea — the most frequent side effect, caused by Clavulanic Acid disrupting gut bacteria. Taking after food helps reduce this.
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
• Headache, dizziness
• Oral or vaginal yeast infection (thrush)

Serious side effects (stop taking and seek medical attention):

• Severe allergic reaction: rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/throat, difficulty breathing
• Severe persistent diarrhoea with blood (possible C. difficile colitis)
• Yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine (possible drug-induced liver injury)

Do not use:

• Allergy to Amoxicillin, Clavulanic Acid, penicillins, or cephalosporins
• History of liver problems or jaundice caused by this medication
• Children under 2 months of age

Use with caution:

• Kidney disease — dose adjustment needed as the drug is primarily excreted via kidneys
• Liver disease — monitor liver enzymes; Clavulanic Acid may rarely cause hepatitis
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding — consult doctor before use
• Avoid alcohol during treatment
• Do not crush, chew, or split tablets

AMK vs. Augmentin: Identical active ingredients (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid). Augmentin is the originator brand by GSK at a higher price. AMK is a quality-equivalent generic registered with the Thai FDA at a more accessible price.

AMK vs. Amoxicillin alone: Amoxicillin alone works against bacteria that don't produce beta-lactamases. AMK adds Clavulanic Acid to overcome resistant strains. IDSA recommends Co-amoxiclav over Amoxicillin alone for acute bacterial sinusitis.

AMK vs. Azithromycin (Macrolide): AMK kills bacteria directly (bactericidal), while Azithromycin inhibits growth (bacteriostatic). AMK covers a broader spectrum, especially beta-lactamase producers. However, Azithromycin offers once-daily dosing and shorter courses.

Medications requiring caution:

• Methotrexate — AMK may reduce Methotrexate clearance, increasing toxicity risk
• Warfarin — may enhance anticoagulant effect; monitor INR closely
• Probenecid — reduces Amoxicillin excretion, raising blood levels
• Allopurinol — increased risk of allergic skin rash
• Hormonal contraceptives — AMK may reduce oral contraceptive effectiveness by disrupting gut bacteria involved in estrogen reabsorption; use backup contraception

Antacids: Can be taken together but space doses at least 2 hours apart.

Both Amoxicillin and Clavulanic Acid have a half-life of approximately 1 hour. The drug is rapidly absorbed, reaching peak blood levels within 1–2 hours after taking. It distributes well into body tissues including lungs, liver, muscles, and synovial fluid.

The twice-daily (every 12 hours) regimen maintains sufficient blood levels throughout the day.

Most patients begin to feel improvement within 48–72 hours of starting treatment. If symptoms don't improve within 3 days, consult your doctor for reassessment.

AMK is a pharmacist-dispensed medication. You can order online from Intimo Life.

Can I buy AMK online?

Yes. Order through Intimo Life — select the product, consult with a licensed pharmacist online, and receive your medication at home.

Do I need a prescription?

A doctor's prescription is not required, but the medication must be dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. At Intimo Life, our pharmacist will review your symptoms and health history to confirm suitability before shipping.

How does Intimo Life ship orders?

We deliver nationwide in Thailand with discreet packaging — no product names on the outside.