Co-amoxiclav for infections

About co-amoxiclav

Co-amoxiclav is a type of antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is commonly prescribed for:

• Sinus infections.

• Urine infections.

• Skin infections.

• Joint infections.

• Some dental infections.

It is also given before some surgical operations, to prevent an infection from developing.

Co-amoxiclav contains two ingredients, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. The first ingredient, amoxicillin, is a penicillin antibiotic which treats infection by killing the bacteria responsible for the infection.

Some bacteria are able to produce a chemical which makes amoxicillin less effective. The second ingredient, clavulanic acid, stops this from happening. Clavulanic acid stops the chemical produced by the bacteria from working, and this allows the amoxicillin to kill the bacteria.

Common side effects of co-amoxiclav include:

• Diarré.

• Känna sig illamående (illamående).

• Kräkningar.

• Oral or vaginal thrush.

You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the antibiotic, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

Some medicines aren’t suitable for everyone. Before taking co-amoxiclav your doctor or pharmacists needs to know if:

• If you suspect you may have glandular fever.

• If you have an allergic condition, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine. This is especially important if you have ever had a bad reaction to any penicillin antibiotic.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Co-amoxiclav is not known to be harmful to babies; however, it is still important that you tell your doctor if you are expecting or breastfeeding a baby.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or problems with the way your kidneys work.

• Om du tar några andra läkemedel. Detta inkluderar alla läkemedel du tar som finns att köpa utan recept, samt växtbaserade och komplementära läkemedel.

• Read the leaflet inside the pack before starting treatment to learn more about co-amoxiclav and its possible side effects.

• Take co-amoxiclav exactly as your doctor tells you.

• It is usually taken three times a day, about every eight hours, spaced evenly throughout the day.

• Check the label on the pack to see how many tablets or how much liquid medicine to take for each dose.

• If you are giving liquid medicine to a child, follow the directions carefully and measure the correct amount.

• Drink plenty of water while taking co-amoxiclav to help keep your kidneys working well.

• You can take your doses either before or after food.

• If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but do not take two doses at the same time.

• The liquid form of co-amoxiclav may temporarily stain teeth, but this should disappear after the antibiotic course ends.

• Finish the full course of antibiotics even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you to stop.

• Treatment usually lasts no longer than 14 days, and you should see your doctor if you still feel unwell after finishing it.

• Antibiotics can sometimes cause thrush (redness and itching in the mouth or vagina); speak to your doctor or pharmacist if this happens.

• If you take the contraceptive pill, vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours may reduce its effectiveness, so ask about extra contraception.

• Co-amoxiclav may affect the oral typhoid vaccine, so tell healthcare staff you are taking it before any vaccinations.

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• Keep co-amoxiclav liquid medicine in a refrigerator, and do not use it after the expiry date on the bottle. It will have been made up by the pharmacy and it is important you do not store or use it for longer than seven days since the date it was made up.

• Store co-amoxiclav tablets in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.