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Clavulin® tablets

This product is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and is a combination of two ingredients, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.

This product is taken orally.


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orally


Why is it prescribed?

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, bronchitis) and the middle ear.

Use exactly as prescribed.
Clavulin® should be taken at the start of a meal or snack to reduce stomach upset and maximize absorption. 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.


Alternatives

Other products that have the same ingredients as Clavulin® tablets are •Apo-Amoxi Clav tablets •Auro-Amoxiclav tablets •Clavulin® suspension •Jamp Amoxi Clav tablet •M-Amoxi Clav suspension •Sandoz Amoxi-clav tablets ••Apo-Amoxi Clav tablets •Auro-Amoxiclav tablets •Clavulin® suspension •Jamp Amoxi Clav tablet •M-Amoxi Clav suspension •Sandoz Amoxi-clav tablets •

See other products used in the treatment of •asthma •bronchitis •chronic bronchitis (COPD) •emphysema (COPD) •sinus infections •middle ear infections •upper respiratory tract infections •respiratory tract infections •bronchospasm associated with COPD •tonsilitis •pneumonia •pharyngitis •sinusitis •COPD •

The usual adult dose is 500-875mg twice daily (every 12 hours) or 250 mg three times daily (every 8 hours).


Clavulin® tablets are a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic medication that kills various bacteria. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of one of the building blocks needed for the bacteria to make it's cell wall. This results in a cell wall that is defective and more likely to rupture.
Resistance to amoxicillin develops when the bacteria are able to produce enzymes that break down the antibiotic. Clavulanic acid works by stopping these enzymes, which allows the amoxicillin to kill the resistant bacteria. The effectiveness of Clavulin® depends on factors such as dose, concentration in the blood as well as other body fluids and tissue, and susceptibility of the organism. Clavulin® will only kill certain types of bacteria sensitive to it amoxicillin's antibiotic action. Infections caused by bacteria that are not sensitive to amoxicillin will not show improvement after taking this medication.


Along with its needed effects, Clavulin® may cause some unwanted or undesirable effects. Generally, Clavulin® is well tolerated and many people will not experience unwanted effects. The frequency and severity of these effects is dependant on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible unwanted effects include:

  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • abdominal cramps
  • constipation
  • gas
  • allergy (e.g. hives, itching, rash, difficulty breathing)
  • acid stomach
  • headache
  • appetite loss
  • bad taste

Rare:

  • allergy
  • swollen tongue and mouth
  • pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the colon caused by the overgrowth and toxin production of certain bacteria, causing diarrhea)
  • jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)


Unwanted effects associated with the stomach should be reported to your pharmacist if they persist or become bothersome. Any uncommon or rare unwanted effects should be reported to your pharmacist immediately.


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: Clavulin® has been used in pregnant women without evidence of risk to the unborn baby. However, it should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly needed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect you are pregnant.

Use while breast-feeding: Clavulin® does appear in low concentrations in breastmilk. It is generally considered safe in breast-feeding, however consult your doctor or pharmacist before use