Amoxycillin and Potassium Clavulanate Tablets consist of two medicinal compounds. First is amoxycillin which kills bacteria. The second component is potassium clavulanate which helps make the antibiotic more effective. It is a commonly prescribed medication used mainly for bacterial infections ranging from dental infections to UTIs, and skin and soft tissue infections. 

Amoxycillin and Potassium Clavulanate Tablets Uses

The diseases, for which these infections are as follows – 

• Respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Skin and soft tissue infections
• Ear infections (otitis media)
• Sinus infections (sinusitis)
• Dental infections

Amoxycillin and Potassium Clavulanate Tablet Doses 

This medication should be taken along with food as it helps with the absorption of the medication and reduces the chances of an upset stomach. 

Adults/children	Dosage
Adults	It depends on the weight and severity of the infection. Follow, the doctor’s recommendation with regard to the dosage for a child.
Children	It depends on the weight and severity of the infection. Follow, the doctor’s recommendation about the dosage for a child.

Amoxycillin and Potassium Clavulanate Tablets Working 

Amoxycillin is a β-lactam antibiotic and kills the bacteria by attacking the cell wall of the bacteria. Potassium Clavulanate (Clavulanic Acid), a β-lactamase inhibitor. This compound helps overcome bacterial resistance. Together, the two compounds increase the effectiveness of the antibiotic against a wide range of bacteria.

Amoxycillin is an antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections. It is a penicillin-based antibiotic and it works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Amoxycillin binds the penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) inside bacterial cells, preventing the formation of Peptidoglycan, a key component of bacterial cell walls.

Without the cell wall, the bacteria becomes weak and eventually bursts due to osmotic pressure leading to bacterial death. 

Amoxycillin is used to treat infections from gram-positive bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus – non-MRSA strains. It is also used to treat some gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Haemophilus influenzae. 

However, some bacteria are resistant to amoxycillin. These resistant bacteria break down amoxycillin by producing β-lactamase enzymes. The resistance caused by this enzyme is overcome by adding Potassium Clavulanate which helps neutralize the β-lactamase enzymes. 

Potassium Clavulanate has Clavulanic acid which binds β-lactamase inhibitor enzymes. By doing so, it protects amoxycillin from being broken down by the enzyme. Bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis, produce β-lactamases. Amoxycillin and Potassium Clavulanate combination tablets are effective against these types of resistant strains of bacteria. This combination medication is more effective than just amoxycillin alone. 

This medication is used to treat a wider range of bacterial infections, including the ones that are resistant to penicillin-based medications. It is a more reliable form of treatment as well. Also, It is used to treat complicated infections as well as recurring respiratory infections. It reduces the failure rate of antibiotic treatment due to resistant forms of bacteria. 

Amoxycillin and Potassium Clavulanate Tablet Side Effects

A patient who has been taking amoxycillin and Potassium Clavulanate Tablets can experience the following side effects – 

• Vomiting and Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach ache 
• Headache
• Skin rash

Amoxycillin and Potassium Clavulanate Tablet Storage 

The medication should be stored in a cool dry place away from sunlight, pets, and the reach of children. In case, the doctor has given a patient this medication in the oral suspension form must be refrigerated and discarded 10 days after opening.

Amoxycillin and Potassium Clavulanate Tablet Precautions

• Allergy Warning: Avoid if allergic to penicillins or cephalosporins.
• Liver & Kidney Issues: Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease.
• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Generally safe, but consult a doctor.

Drug Interactions:

• May interact with methotrexate, warfarin (increased bleeding risk), and probenecid.
• Reduces the effectiveness of oral contraceptives

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: The information on this blog is strictly for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor before taking any medication.