Amoxicillin and clavulanate

What is amoxicillin + clavulanate?

Amoxicillin + clavulanate is a combination of two medicines. Amoxicillin is a medicine called an antibiotic. Antibiotics are used to treat certain types of infections caused by germs called bacteria. However, some types of bacteria are able to destroy amoxicillin so that the drug can no longer work. The second medicine, called clavulanate, protects the amoxicillin from being destroyed by these bacteria, so that the amoxicillin can continue to work.

You may hear amoxicillin + clavulanate called by its brand names, Clavulin, Amoxi-Clav, Novo-Clavamoxin or ratio-Aclavulanate. You may also hear clavulanate referred to as clavulanic acid (say: klav-yoo-LAN-ik acid).

Amoxicillin + clavulanate comes in tablet and liquid forms.

Before giving amoxicillin + clavulanate to your child

Tell your child’s doctor if your child has:

• an allergy to amoxicillin, penicillin or any other antibiotics
• an allergy to clavulanate
• an allergy to any other ingredient in the formulation

Talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist if your child has any of the following conditions. This medicine may not be right for your child if they have:

• liver or kidney disease
• phenylketonuria (PKU) — the liquid form contains aspartame, which should be used with caution
• mononucleosis (“mono”)

How should you give your child amoxicillin + clavulanate?

Follow these instructions when giving your child amoxicillin + clavulanate:

• Give your child amoxicillin + clavulanate for as long as your child’s pharmacist or doctor tells you to, even if your child feels better. Tell your child’s doctor before you stop giving your child amoxicillin + clavulanate for any reason.
• Give your child amoxicillin + clavulanate at the same times each day, as instructed by your child’s doctor or pharmacist. Pick times that are easy to remember so that your child does not miss any doses.
• Your child may take amoxicillin + clavulanate with or without food. It is better to give your child amoxicillin + clavulanate at the same time as a meal if it upsets your child’s stomach.

If your child is taking the liquid form of amoxicillin + clavulanate, shake the bottle well before each dose. Measure the dose with the syringe or medicine cup provided by your pharmacist.

What should you do if your child misses a dose of amoxicillin + clavulanate?

If your child misses a dose of the medicine:

• Give your child the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and give your child the next dose at the regular time.
• Give your child only one dose at a time. Do not give your child two doses to make up for one missed dose.

How long does amoxicillin + clavulanate take to work?

The medication will begin to work immediately.

What are the possible side effects of amoxicillin + clavulanate?

Your child may have some of these side effects while they take amoxicillin + clavulanate. These side effects are generally mild and may go away with time. Check with your child's doctor if the side effects are severe, do not go away or they bother your child:

• watery bowel movements (diarrhea)
• stomach cramps or bloating (fullness)
• upset stomach or throwing up (vomiting)

Call your child’s doctor during office hours if your child has any of the following side effects:

Most of the following side effects are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem. Call your child's doctor right away or take your child to the Emergency Department if your child has any of the following side effects:

• severe skin rash, such as hives (raised, red itchy areas on the skin) or if large areas of skin are red, swollen, blistering or peeling
• trouble breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath
• swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat
• signs of liver problems like dark urine, light colored stools, yellow skin or eyes, severe stomach pain, unusual tiredness or weakness
• a new fever or a fever that does not get better
• severe watery diarrhea, which may have blood or red streaks
• severe vomiting (throwing up)
• redness or white patches in the mouth or throat.

What safety measures should you take when your child is using amoxicillin + clavulanate?

There are some medicines that should not be taken during the same period when your child is taking the course of amoxicillin + clavulanate. Check with your child's doctor or pharmacist before giving your child any other medicines (prescription, non-prescription, herbal or natural products) during this period.

Birth control pills may not work properly while taking amoxicillin + clavulanate, and for seven days after the course of amoxicillin + clavulanate is finished. If your child takes birth control pills, please tell her doctor or pharmacist before your child starts the course of amoxicillin + clavulanate.

If your child has diabetes, amoxicillin may cause false test results with some urine glucose (sugar) tests. Check with your child’s pharmacist about what other glucose tests can be used.

What other important information should I know about amoxicillin + clavulanate?

• Keep a list of all medications your child is on and show the list to the doctor or to the pharmacist
• Do not share your child’s medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child
• Amoxicillin + clavulanate tablets should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Do not store it in the bathroom or kitchen
• Keep amoxicillin + clavulanate liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze this medicine
• Do not keep any medicines that are out of date. Check with your pharmacist about the best way to throw away outdated or leftover medicines
• Keep all medicines out of your child's sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. Keep the medicine in its original child-proof container or vial
  

References

• Lexi-comp Online [Internet]. Amoxicillin and Clavulanate: Pediatric & Neonatal Lexi-Drugs, Hudson, Ohio: Lexi-Comp, Inc. [updated 2016 February 10; cited 2016 March 9]. Available from http://online.lexi.com/
• Canadian Pharmacists Association [Internet]. Clavulin Monograph. eCPS. [updated 2014 March 14; cited 2016 March 9]. Available from http://www.etherapeutics.ca/
• Lexi-comp Online [Internet]. Amoxicillin: AHFS Essentials (Adult and Pediatric), Hudson, Ohio: Lexi-Comp, Inc. [updated 2016 February 10; cited 2016 March 9]. Available from: http://online.lexi.com/

Keep amoxicillin and clavulanate out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much amoxicillin and clavulanate, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.