Augmentin

Augmentin is a beta-lactam antibiotic combining two active ingredients: Amoxicillin (a penicillin-type antibiotic) and Clavulanic Acid (a beta-lactamase inhibitor).

Amoxicillin kills bacteria by blocking cell wall synthesis. However, some bacteria produce beta-lactamase enzymes that destroy Amoxicillin, rendering it ineffective. Clavulanic Acid blocks these enzymes, allowing Amoxicillin to work at full potency. The result is that Augmentin covers a broader spectrum of bacteria than Amoxicillin alone, particularly beta-lactamase-producing resistant strains.

Augmentin is classified as a dangerous drug by the Thai FDA and must only be used under the guidance of a physician or pharmacist.

Augmentin treats a wide range of bacterial infections: upper and lower respiratory tract infections such as sinusitis, otitis media, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and community-acquired pneumonia; skin and soft tissue infections including infected wounds, abscesses, and animal bites; urinary tract infections such as cystitis and pyelonephritis; and severe dental infections such as dental abscesses.

Augmentin cannot treat viral infections such as the common cold, flu, or COVID-19.

Adults and children 12+ years (over 40 kg): Take 1 tablet twice daily, every 12 hours. Take with or immediately after food to improve Clavulanic Acid absorption and reduce stomach discomfort. Do not break or split tablets as they are film-coated.

Treatment duration: Typically 5–7 days depending on infection type. You must complete the full course as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to eliminate all bacteria and prevent resistance.

Children under 12: Tablet form is not recommended. Oral suspension dosed by body weight should be used under medical supervision.

Kidney impairment: Dose adjustment is required. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Missed dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If it's nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Never double the dose.

Common side effects (usually resolve after stopping):

• Diarrhoea — the most common, caused by Clavulanic Acid disrupting gut bacteria; taking with food helps
• Nausea, vomiting
• Headache, dizziness
• Mild skin rash

Less common but notable:

• Oral or vaginal thrush (Candidiasis)
• Abnormal liver function tests (especially with prolonged use)

Serious — stop and seek medical attention immediately:

• Severe rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat (Anaphylaxis)
• Severe diarrhoea with blood or mucus (possible C. difficile colitis)
• Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice — can occur even after stopping the medicine)

Do not use:

• Known allergy to Amoxicillin, Clavulanic Acid, or any penicillin antibiotic
• Severe allergy to Cephalosporins — cross-reactivity risk
• History of jaundice (Cholestatic Jaundice) or liver dysfunction from previous Augmentin use

Use with caution:

• Liver disease — monitor liver function during prolonged use
• Kidney disease — dose adjustment required
• Pregnancy — use only if clearly needed as judged by a doctor (FDA Category B)
• Breastfeeding — excreted in breast milk; use with caution
• Elderly — may require dose adjustment based on kidney function
• Avoid alcohol during treatment

Augmentin vs. AMK (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid): Both contain the same active ingredients (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid) and offer equivalent therapeutic effectiveness. The key difference is the manufacturer — Augmentin is the original brand by GSK, while AMK is produced by a local Thai manufacturer.

Augmentin vs. Amoxicillin alone: Plain Amoxicillin suits mild, uncomplicated infections where resistance isn't expected, such as strep throat. Augmentin is preferred when resistant bacteria are suspected, for complex infections like chronic sinusitis or animal bites, or when Amoxicillin alone has failed. The trade-off is that Augmentin causes more gastrointestinal side effects (diarrhoea) due to Clavulanic Acid.

Augmentin vs. Azithromycin (Macrolide): Azithromycin is taken once daily for 3–5 days which is more convenient, but it has narrower gram-negative coverage and resistance to Macrolides is increasing in many regions. Augmentin offers broader coverage and is a better choice when wide-spectrum activity is needed.

Medications requiring caution:

• Methotrexate — Augmentin reduces renal excretion of Methotrexate, increasing toxicity risk
• Warfarin / anticoagulants — may enhance anticoagulant effect; INR monitoring required
• Allopurinol — increased risk of skin rash
• Probenecid — reduces renal excretion of Amoxicillin, raising blood levels

Oral contraceptives: Augmentin may reduce the effectiveness of combined oral contraceptive pills by disrupting gut bacteria involved in oestrogen reabsorption. Use backup contraception (e.g. condoms) throughout treatment and for 7 days after stopping.

Safe to use together: Common painkillers (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen), antacids (but take 2 hours apart).

After taking Augmentin, the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream within 1–2 hours and begins killing bacteria. Peak blood levels are reached approximately 1–2 hours after ingestion. Amoxicillin has a half-life of approximately 1–1.3 hours and Clavulanic Acid approximately 1 hour, which is why twice-daily dosing maintains adequate drug levels throughout the day.

Approximately 50–70% of Amoxicillin and 25–40% of Clavulanic Acid are excreted unchanged in urine, contributing to its effectiveness against urinary tract infections.

Symptoms should start improving within 2–3 days, but you must complete the full course to prevent resistance.

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

Can I buy Augmentin online?

Yes. Order through Intimo Life — consult with a licensed pharmacist online who will assess your symptoms and suitability, then receive your medication at home.

Do I need a prescription?

No prescription needed, but it must be dispensed by a pharmacist. Our pharmacist will review your symptoms, allergy history, and current medications to confirm Augmentin is appropriate for you.

How does Intimo Life ship orders?

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