Augmentin is a penicillin antibiotic that contains a combination of amoxicillin (antibiotic) and clavulanate potassium (clavulanic acid) used to treat different types of bacterial infections. In this HealthHearty post, we will discuss its side effects ranging from common to severe.
Basically, the medication has to be taken orally along with a meal or snack. The dosage and frequency will depend on the type of bacterial infection and directions given to you by your health care provider.
The drug helps in stopping the growth of bacteria like sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, UTIs, and skin infections; what it doesn’t work on are viral infection like common cold and flu.
Common Side Effects
Less Severe
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Stomach irritation
- Loose stools
- Thrush
- Yeast infection
Occasional Side Effects
Less Severe
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Severe
- Serum sickness
- Hives
- Rash
- Difficulty breathing
- Itching
- Allergic reaction
Rare Side Effects
Less Severe
- Anxiety
- Backache
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Indigestion
- Mouth candidiasis
- Skin candidiasis
- Nails candidiasis
- Vaginal candidiasis
- Chills
- Gas/indigestion
- Abdominal pain
- Swollen tongue
- Muscle pain
- Swollen mouth
- Involuntary quivering
- Increased eosinophils
- Incomplete bowel movements
Severe
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Anemia
- Bloody urine
- Fever
- Blood clots
- Low blood pressure
- Bile flow blockage
- Change in blood platelet function
- Giant hives
- Hepatitis
- Kidney disease
- Liver problems
- Hemolytic anemia
- Erythema multiforme
- Decreased WBCs
- Seizures
- Teeth discoloration
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
- Interstitial nephritis
- Water retention
- Yellowing of skin
- Yellowing of eyes
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
The side effects mentioned above should be taken seriously, if the problem persists for more than two or three days, and a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
