Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Potassium [US: Augmentin Tablets]
Generic Name: Amoxicillin & Clavulanate
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is a fixed combination of amoxicillin trihydrate (an aminopenicillin antibiotic) and the potassium salt of clavulanic acid (a b-lactamase inhibitor); clavulanic acid synergistically expands amoxicillin’s spectrum of activity against many strains of b-lactamase-producing bacteria.
Under what local brands and in what dosages is generic Amoxicillin & Clavulanate sold in pharmacies of Britain, United States, and Canada?
In pharmacies of the United States, Great Britain and Canada the pharmacists offer you to buy Amoxicillin & Clavulanate (according to your prescription or without a prescription) under such brand names and in such strengths and dosage forms:
| UK | US | Canada |
| Augmentin-Duo 400/57 Co-amoxiclav 125/31.25mg/5ml Co-amoxiclav 250/62.5mg/5ml Co-amoxiclav 400/57mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension Co-amoxiclav 500 mg/125 mg Tab Co-amoxiclav for Injection 500/100mg & 1000/200mg | Augmentin 125mg Tablets Augmentin 200mg Tablets Augmentin 250 mg Tablets Augmentin 400 mg Tablets Augmentin 500 mg Tablets Augmentin 875mg Tablets Augmentin ES-600 Oral Suspension Augmentin XR 1 gm Tablets | Amoxi-Clav 500mg Tablets Amoxi-Clav 875mg Tablets Apo-Amoxi-Clav 500mg/125 Tabs Apo-Amoxi-Clav 875mg/125 Tabs Clavulin 500mg Tablets Clavulin 875mg Tablets Ratio-Aclavulanate 500/125mg Ratio-Aclavulanate 875/125mg |
Uses
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is used orally for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections, otitis media, sinusitis, skin and skin structure infections, and urinary tract infections caused by susceptible organisms. Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium also has been used orally for the treatment of chancroid and gonorrhea caused by susceptible organisms.
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is used principally for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible b-lactamase-producing strains of Moraxella catarrhalis (formerly Branhamella catarrhalis), Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Although amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium also may be effective in the treatment of infections caused by non-b-lactamase-producing organisms susceptible to amoxicillin alone, most clinicians state that an aminopenicillin used alone is preferred to the combination drug for the treatment of these infections and that amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium should be reserved for use in the treatment of infections caused by, or suspected of being caused by, b-lactamase-producing organisms when an aminopenicillin alone would be ineffective.
Prior to initiation of therapy with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, appropriate specimens should be obtained for identification of the causative organism and in vitro susceptibility tests.
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium therapy may be started pending results of susceptibility tests if the infection is believed to be caused by b-lactamase-producing bacteria susceptible to the drug, but should be discontinued if the organism is found to be resistant to the drug. (See Spectrum: In Vitro Susceptibility Testing.) If the infection is found to be caused by non-b-lactamase-producing organisms susceptible to aminopenicillins, some clinicians suggest that therapy generally should be changed to an aminopenicillin alone, unless this is impractical.
Gram-positive Aerobic Bacterial Infections
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium has been effective when used orally in adults and children for the treatment of abscesses, cellulitis, and impetigo caused by susceptible penicillinase-producing and nonpenicillinase-producing Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes (group A b-hemolytic streptococci), or Corynebacterium. Results of several controlled studies indicate that amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is as effective as cefaclor in the treatment of these infections. However, natural penicillins are generally the drugs of choice for the treatment of infections caused by nonpenicillinase-producing staphylococci or group A b-hemolytic streptococci and penicillinase-resistant penicillins are generally the drugs of choice for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible penicillinase-producing staphylococci. Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium should not be used in the treatment of infections caused by methicillin-resistant staphylococci, even though results of in vitro susceptibility tests may indicate that the organism is susceptible to the drug.
Gram-negative Aerobic Bacterial Infections
Haemophilus Infections
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium generally has been effective when used in adults or children for the treatment of otitis media or upper and lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchopneumonia, sinusitis, and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis caused by susceptible H. influenzae. Some clinicians suggest that amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is a drug of choice for empiric anti-infective therapy of otitis media and sinusitis in communities with a high incidence of ampicillin-resistant H. influenzae or M. catarrhalis and for infections that fail to respond to other regimens. (See Uses: Otitis Media.)
Chancroid
Oral amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium (500 mg of amoxicillin and 125 or 250 mg of clavulanic acid every 8 hours for 7 days) has been effective when used in the treatment of chancroid (genital ulcers caused by H. ducreyi); the mean time to complete healing of ulcers with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium therapy has been 6.5-11.4 days and buboes have generally resolved within 4 weeks. However, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is not included in current US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for the treatment of chancroid; the CDC states that a single oral dose of azithromycin, a single IM dose of ceftriaxone, a 3-day regimen of oral ciprofloxacin, or a 7-day regimen of oral erythromycin are the regimens of choice for the treatment of chancroid.
Moraxella catarrhalis Infections
Infections caused by b-lactamase-producing M. catarrhalis have been reported with increasing frequency. This organism recently has been recognized as a common cause of otitis media and maxillary sinusitis in children and of bronchitis and pneumonia in adults, especially those with chronic lung disease. Rarely, septicemia, endocarditis, urethritis, meningitis, neonatal ophthalmia, and conjunctivitis caused by M. catarrhalis have been reported.
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium generally has been effective when used in the treatment of upper and lower respiratory tract infections caused by M. catarrhalis, and many clinicians consider it a drug of choice for infections caused by the organism. Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium generally has been effective when used for the treatment of acute otitis media or acute maxillary sinusitis caused by M. catarrhalis. In several controlled studies, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium was more effective than cefaclor for the empiric treatment of acute otitis media in children 2 months to 12 years of age.
Although adverse GI effects occurred more frequently with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium than with cefaclor, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium appears to be more active than cefaclor against b-lactamase-producing M. catarrhalis. Some clinicians suggest that amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is a drug of choice for the empiric treatment of otitis media and sinusitis in communities with a high incidence of b-lactamase-producing M. catarrhalis.
Gonorrhea
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium has been used orally with some success for the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea caused by penicillinase-producing strains of N. gonorrhoeae (PPNG) or nonpenicillinase-producing strains of the organism. Regimens consisting of a single oral dose of amoxicillin (3 g) and clavulanic acid (125-500 mg) with or without oral probenecid (1 g) have been effective in some cases for the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea caused by PPNG or nonpenicillinase-producing N. gonorrhoeae. However, treatment failures have been reported when these single-dose regimens were used in the treatment of infections caused by PPNG, although, in some cases, in vitro tests indicated that the organism was susceptible to the drug. Penicillins, including amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, are not included in current CDC recommendations for the treatment of gonorrhea.
Urinary Tract Infections
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium has generally been effective when used orally in adults or children for the treatment of uncomplicated or complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by susceptible organisms including E. coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, or P. mirabilis. Although most strains of Enterobacter are resistant to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium in vitro, the drug has been effective in some cases when used in the treatment of UTIs caused by this organism.
Because amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is active in vitro against many urinary pathogens resistant to aminopenicillins, some clinicians suggest that the combination drug may be preferred over ampicillin or amoxicillin alone for the initial treatment of UTIs; however, further studies are needed to evaluate the relative efficacy of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium and other anti-infectives (e.g., co-trimoxazole) in the treatment of UTIs.
Other Gram-negative Aerobic Bacterial Infections
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium has been used in the treatment of infections caused by Eikenella corrodens or Pasteurella multocida.
Anaerobic and Mixed Aerobic-Anaerobic Bacterial Infections
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium has been used orally with some success in a limited number of patients for the treatment of anaerobic and mixed aerobic-anaerobic bacterial infections including intra-abdominal and gynecologic infections such as endometritis, salpingitis, pelvic cellulitis, and acute pelvic inflammatory disease. Although oral amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium has been effective in the treatment of these infections, including infections caused by Bacteroides fragilis, some clinicians suggest that further study is needed to evaluate efficacy of the drug in the treatment of anaerobic and mixed aerobic-anaerobic bacterial infections and to determine if serum and tissue concentrations of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid obtained following oral administration of the drug are adequate for the treatment of these infections.
Otitis Media
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is used for the treatment of acute otitis media (AOM) caused by S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae (including b-lactamase-producing strains), or M. catarrhalis (including b-lactamase-producing strains). Amoxicillin usually is considered the drug of first choice for initial treatment of AOM, unless the infection is suspected of being caused by b-lactamase-producing bacteria resistant to the drug, in which case amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is recommended.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), CDC, and other clinicians state that, despite the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant S. pneumoniae and presence of b-lactamase-producing H. influenzae or M. catarrhalis in many communities, amoxicillin remains the anti-infective of first choice for treatment of uncomplicated AOM since it is highly effective, has a narrow spectrum of activity, is well distributed into middle ear fluid, and is well tolerated and inexpensive.
Amoxicillin (especially when given in dosages of 80-90 mg/kg daily) usually is effective in the treatment of AOM caused by S. pneumoniae, including infections involving strains with intermediate resistance to penicillins, and also usually is effective in the treatment of AOM caused by most strains of H. influenzae.
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium (given in high dosage), oral cefuroxime axetil, or IM ceftriaxone are recommended for the treatment of persistent or recurrent AOM in patients who fail to respond to a previous regimen, including amoxicillin (given in usual or high dosage). For the treatment of AOM in patients who have received anti-infective therapy within the previous few months, amoxicillin (given in high dosage), amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium (given in high dosage), or oral cefuroxime axetil is recommended.For additional information regarding treatment of AOM and information regarding prophylaxis of recurrent AOM, treatment of persistent or recurrent AOM, and treatment of otitis media with effusion (OME), see Uses: Otitis Media in the Aminopenicillins General Statement 8:12.16.08.
Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis
Although not considered a drug of choice for the treatment of pharyngitis and tonsillitis caused by S. pyogenes (group A b-hemolytic streptococci), amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is recommended as one of several possible alternatives for the treatment of symptomatic patients who have multiple, recurrent episodes of pharyngitis known to caused by S. pyogenes. Natural penicillins (i.e., 10 days of oral penicillin V or a single IM dose of penicillin G benzathine) is the treatment of choice for streptococcal pharyngitis and tonsillitis, although oral amoxicillin often is used instead of penicillin V in small children because of a more acceptable taste.
If there is recurrence of signs and symptoms of pharyngitis shortly after the initial recommended regimen is completed (i.e., within a few weeks) and presence of S. pyogenes is detected, retreatment with the original regimen or another regimen of choice is indicated; if compliance with a 10-day oral regimen is a concern, IM penicillin G benzathine should be used for retreatment.
Some clinicians suggest use of an alternative agent (e.g., amoxicillin and clavulanate, clindamycin, macrolide) for retreatment. However, if there are multiple, recurrent episodes of symptomatic pharyngitis within a period of months to years, it may be difficult to determine whether these are true episodes of S. pyogenes infection or whether the patient is a long-term streptococcal pharyngeal carrier who is experiencing repeated episodes of nonstreptococcal pharyngitis (e.g., viral pharyngitis) in whom treatment is not usually indicated. Continuous anti-infective prophylaxis (secondary prophylaxis) to prevent the recurrence of streptococcal pharyngitis is not recommended in these circumstances, unless the patient has a history of rheumatic fever. Instead, use of an alternative regimen is recommended by some clinicians.
Although there are no controlled clinical studies evaluating efficacy, the IDSA suggests that symptomatic individuals with multiple, recurrent episodes of documented S. pyogenes pharyngitis receive a regimen of oral amoxicillin clavulanate, oral clindamycin, or IM penicillin G benzathine (with or without oral rifampin). For additional information on treatment of S. pyogenes pharyngitis, see Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis under Gram-positive Aerobic Bacterial Infections: Streptococcus pyogenes Infections in Uses in the Natural Penicillins General Statement 8:12.16.04.
Dosage and Administration
Reconstitution and Administration
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is administered orally. Chewable tablets should be thoroughly chewed before swallowing. Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium has also been given IV, but a parenteral dosage form of the drug is not currently available in the US. Because GI absorption of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is not affected by food following oral administration of conventional preparations of the drug, these preparations may be administered orally without regard to meals. However, administration of oral amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium with meals reportedly may minimize adverse GI effects.
Extended-release tablets of the combination should be administered at the beginning of a meal to enhance GI absorption of amoxicillin and clavulanate and to minimize adverse GI effects; amoxicillin absorption from extended-release tablets is decreased when administered in a fasting state, and clavulanate absorption is decreased when these tablets are administered with a high-fat meal.
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium powder for oral suspension should be reconstituted at the time of dispensing by adding the amount of water specified on the bottle to provide a suspension containing 125 mg of amoxicillin and 31. mg of clavulanic acid per 5 mL, 200 mg of amoxicillin and 28.5 mg of clavulanic acid per 5 mL, 250 mg of amoxicillin and 62.5 mg of clavulanic acid per 5 mL, or 600 mg of amoxicillin and 42.9 mg of clavulanic acid per 5 mL.
After tapping the bottle to thoroughly loosen the powder for oral suspension, the water should be added to the powder in 2 portions and the suspension agitated well after each addition. The suspension should be agitated well just prior to administration of each dose.
Dosage
Dosage of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium generally is expressed in terms of the amoxicillin content of the fixed combination. Although commercially available amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium contains amoxicillin as the trihydrate and/or the sodium salt and clavulanic acid as the potassium salt, potency of amoxicillin is calculated on the anhydrous basis and potency of clavulanate potassium is expressed in terms of clavulanic acid.
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is commercially available for oral administration as a powder for oral suspension containing a 4:1, 7:1, or 14:1 ratio of amoxicillin to clavulanic acid; as chewable tablets containing a 4:1 or 7:1 ratio of the drugs; as film-coated tablets containing a 2:1 or 4:1 ratio of the drugs; as scored tablets containing a 7:1 ratio of the drugs; and as extended-release tablets containing a 16:1 ratio of the drugs.
Commercially available amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium powders for oral suspension should not be considered interchangeable since they contain different amounts of clavulanic acid. The powder for oral suspension containing 600 mg of amoxicillin and 42. mg of clavulanic acid per 5 mL (Augmentin ES-600®) is indicated only for the treatment of persistent or recurrent acute otitis media (AOM) in certain pediatric patients 3 months to 12 years of age; safety and efficacy of this preparation in younger children or in adolescents or adults have not been established.
Because commercially available amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium film-coated tablets containing 250 mg of amoxicillin contain 125 mg of clavulanic acid and commercially available chewable tablets containing 250 mg of amoxicillin contain 62.5 mg of clavulanic acid, these preparations should not be considered interchangeable. In addition, since the 250- and 500-mg film-coated tablets of the drug both contain the same amount of clavulanic acid, two 250-mg film-coated tablets are not equivalent to one 500-mg film-coated tablet. Because extended-release tablets of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium contain different ratios of the drugs, the extended-release tablets are not equivalent to conventional or chewable tablets of the drug.
Children weighing less than 40 kg should not receive the 250-mg film-coated tablets since this formulation contains a higher dose of clavulanic acid. (See Dosage: Pediatric Dosage, under Dosage and Administration.)
Safety and efficacy of the extended-release tablets have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 16 years of age. Adult Dosage The usual adult oral dosage of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is one 250-mg film-coated tablet (containing 250 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic acid) every 8 hours or one 500-mg film-coated tablet (containing 500 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic acid) every 12 hours. For more severe infections and infections of the respiratory tract, the usual adult oral dosage is one 500-mg film-coated tablet (containing 500 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic acid) every 8 hours or one 875-mg scored tablet (containing 875 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic acid) every 12 hours.
Alternatively, adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets may receive the oral suspension containing 125 or 250 mg of amoxicillin/5 mL instead of the 500-mg film-coated tablet or may receive the oral suspension containing 200 or 400 mg of amoxicillin/5 mL instead of the 875-mg scored tablet. The usual oral dosage of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium extended-release tablets for the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis in patients 16 years of age and older is 2 tablets (containing 1 g of amoxicillin and 62.5 mg of clavulanic acid in each tablet) every 12 hours for 10 days.
The usual oral dosage of the extended-release tablets for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in patients 16 years of age and older is 2 tablets (containing 1 g of amoxicillin and 62.5 mg of clavulanic acid in each tablet) every 12 hours for 7-10 days. Dosage adjustment for extended-release tablets of the combination based solely on age is not necessary in geriatric patients.
Pediatric Dosage
Children weighing 40 kg or more may receive the usual adult oral dosage of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. The usual dosage of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium in neonates and infants younger than 12 weeks of age is 30 mg/kg of amoxicillin daily given in divided doses every 12 hours.
Because experience with the oral suspension containing 200 mg of amoxicillin/5 mL is limited in this age group, the manufacturer recommends that the oral suspension containing 125 mg of amoxicillin/5 mL be used in neonates and infants younger than 12 weeks of age.
For the treatment of sinusitis, lower respiratory tract infections, and more severe infections in pediatric patients 12 weeks of age and older, the usual dosage of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is 45 mg/kg of amoxicillin daily in divided doses every 12 hours administered as the oral suspension containing 200 or 400 mg of amoxicillin/5 mL or as chewable tablets containing 200 or 400 mg of amoxicillin.
Alternatively, these infections in this age group can be treated with a dosage of 40 mg/kg of amoxicillin daily in divided doses every 8 hours administered as the oral suspension containing 125 or 250 mg of amoxicillin/5 mL or as chewable tablets containing 125 or 250 mg of amoxicillin.
For the treatment of less severe infections in pediatric patients 12 weeks of age or older, the usual dosage of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is 25 mg/kg of amoxicillin daily in divided doses every 12 hours administered as the oral suspension containing 200 or 400 mg of amoxicillin/5 mL or as chewable tablets containing 200 or 400 mg of amoxicillin.
Alternatively, less severe infections in this age group can be treated with a dosage of 20 mg/kg of amoxicillin daily in divided doses every 8 hours administered as the oral suspension containing 125 or 250 mg of amoxicillin/5 mL or as chewable tablets containing 125 or 250 mg of amoxicillin.
Otitis Media
For the treatment of acute otitis media (AOM) in pediatric patients, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium usually is administered in a dosage of 40-45 mg/kg of amoxicillin daily given in 2 or 3 divided doses for 10 days.
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium also has been administered in a dosage of 80-90 mg/kg of amoxicillin daily given in 2 or 3 divided doses for the treatment of AOM in pediatric patients.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and some clinicians suggest that use of the higher dosage be considered for the treatment of AOM, especially in patients with infections known or suspected of being caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae with reduced susceptibility to penicillins; patients with primary treatment failure or persistent or recurrent AOM after treatment with amoxicillin or high-dose amoxicillin; and patients who have received anti-infective therapy within the previous few months.
If amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is administered in the higher dosage for the treatment of AOM in pediatric patients, commercially available formulations containing a 7:1 or 14:1 ratio of amoxicillin to clavulanic acid should be used since these formulations provide a lower daily dosage of clavulanate potassium and minimize the risk of adverse GI effects associated with the clavulanate potassium component. When the oral suspension containing 600 mg of amoxicillin and 42. mg of clavulanic acid per 5 mL is used for the treatment of persistent or recurrent AOM in pediatric patients weighing less than 40 mg, the usual dosage is 90 mg/kg of amoxicillin daily given in divided doses every 12 hours for 10 days.
Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis
If amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is used for the treatment of symptomatic patients who have multiple, recurrent episodes of pharyngitis known to be caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A b-hemolytic streptococci) (see Uses: Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) recommends that children receive 40 mg/kg of amoxicillin daily (maximum 750 mg daily) given in 3 equally divided doses for 10 days.
Adults should receive amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium in a dosage of 500 mg of amoxicillin twice daily for 10 days; the IDSA states that this dosage has not been specifically studied in adults and was extrapolated from the pediatric dosage.
Dosage in Renal and Hepatic Impairment
In patients with renal impairment, doses and/or frequency of administration of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium should be modified in response to the degree of renal impairment.
Some clinicians suggest that modification of usual dosage is unnecessary in adults with creatinine clearances greater than 30 mL/minute. These clinicians recommend that adults with creatinine clearances of 15-30 mL/minute receive the usual dose of conventional preparations of the drug every 12-18 hours, adults with creatinine clearances of 5-15 mL/minute receive the usual dose every 20-36 hours, and adults with creatinine clearances less than 5 mL/minute receive the usual dose every 48 hours.
However, other clinicians suggest that use of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium should be avoided in patients with creatinine clearances less than 30 mL/minute until more data are available on use of the drug in these patients. Some clinicians suggest that adults undergoing hemodialysis receive a 500-mg tablet containing 500 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic acid halfway through each dialysis period and an additional 500-mg tablet after each dialysis period.
The pharmacokinetics of extended-release tablets of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium have not been studied in patients with renal impairment, and the manufacturer states that this preparation is contraindicated in patients with severe impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/minute and those undergoing hemodialysis).
The extended-release tablets should be dosed cautiously in patients with hepatic impairment and liver function should be monitored at frequent intervals.
Cautions
Adverse Effects
Adverse effects reported with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium are generally dose related and are similar to those reported with amoxicillin alone. For information on adverse effects reported with amoxicillin and other aminopenicillins, see Cautions in the Aminopenicillins General Statement 8:12.16.08. With the exception of adverse GI effects, which have been reported more frequently with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium than with amoxicillin alone, the frequency and severity of adverse effects reported with the fixed-combination preparations are generally similar to those reported with amoxicillin alone.
The manufacturers state that adverse effects reported with oral amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium are generally mild and transient and have required discontinuance of therapy in less than 3% of patients receiving the drug. GI effects are the most frequent adverse reactions to oral amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium.
Diarrhea or loose stools has been reported in about 9% of patients receiving the drug, and nausea and vomiting have been reported in 1-5% of patients. Abdominal discomfort, anorexia, and flatulence, dyspepsia, gastritis, stomatitis, glossitis, black or hairy tongue, and enterocolitis also have been reported.
The frequency of nausea and vomiting appears to be related to the dose of clavulanic acid since these effects have been reported in up to 40% of patients when a 250-mg dose of clavulanic acid rather than a 125-mg dose was used in conjunction with amoxicillin.
Administration of oral amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium with meals reportedly decreases the frequency and severity of adverse GI effects, and therefore patients should be advised to take the drug with a meal or snack.
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and colitis (also known as antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis) caused by toxin-producing clostridia may occur during or following discontinuance of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium.
Colitis may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Mild cases of colitis may respond to discontinuance of the drug alone, but diagnosis and management of moderate to severe cases should include appropriate bacteriologic studies and treatment with fluid, electrolyte, and protein supplementation as indicated; rarely, cautious use of sigmoidoscopy (or other appropriate endoscopic examination) may be considered necessary. If colitis is severe or is not relieved by discontinuance of the drug, appropriate anti-infective therapy (e.g., oral metronidazole or vancomycin) should be administered.
Rash and urticaria have been reported in approximately 3% of patients receiving amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Other adverse effects that have been reported in 1% or less of patients receiving the drug include candidal vaginitis, dizziness, headache, fever, and slight thrombocytosis. Moderate increases in serum concentrations of AST (SGOT) and/or ALT (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase, and/or bilirubin have been reported in patients receiving amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Hepatic dysfunction has been reported most frequently in geriatric patients, males, or in patients receiving prolonged therapy with the drug.
Histologic findings on liver biopsies have consisted of predominantly cholestatic, hepatocellular, or mixed cholestatic-hepatocellular changes. The onset of manifestations of hepatic dysfunction may occur during or several weeks following discontinuance of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium therapy and usually is reversible. However, fatal cholestatic hepatitis has been reported rarely; these generally have been cases associated with serious underlying diseases or concomitant drug therapy.
Although not reported to date with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, positive direct antiglobulin (Coombs’) test results have been reported in patients who received therapy with ticarcillin and clavulanic acid. In one study in immunocompromised patients, positive direct antiglobulin test results occurred during 44% of the courses of therapy with ticarcillin and clavulanic acid and concomitant tobramycin.
Positive reactions occurred within 48 hours after initiation of therapy and reverted to negative within 2-4 months after completion of therapy. These reactions appear to result from nonimmunologic adsorption of proteins onto erythrocytes in the presence of clavulanic acid; this nonimmunologic mechanism is similar to that observed with cephalosporins.
Nonimmunologic adsorption of proteins onto erythrocyte membranes and positive direct antiglobulin test results also occurred in vitro when erythrocytes obtained from healthy individuals were exposed to clavulanic acid; however, exposure of erythrocytes to ticarcillin alone under various conditions did not result in a positive reaction.
Precautions and Contraindications
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium shares the toxic potentials of the penicillins, including the risk of hypersensitivity reactions, and the usual precautions of penicillin therapy should be observed. Prior to initiation of therapy with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, careful inquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other drugs.
There is clinical and laboratory evidence of partial cross-allergenicity among penicillins and other b-lactam antibiotics including cephalosporins and cephamycins. Renal, hepatic, and hematologic function should be evaluated periodically during prolonged therapy with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Because C. difficile-associated diarrhea and colitis has been reported with the use of anti-infective agents including amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients who develop diarrhea during amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium therapy.
Because a high percentage of patients with infectious mononucleosis have developed rash during therapy with aminopenicillins, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium should not be used in patients with the disease. Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any penicillin.
Commercially available amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium chewable tablets containing 200 or 400 mg of amoxicillin and amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium oral suspension containing 200, 400, or 600 mg of amoxicillin per 5 mL contain aspartame, which is metabolized in the GI tract to phenylalanine following oral administration. Individuals with phenylketonuria (i.e., homozygous genetic deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase) and other individuals who must restrict their intake of phenylalanine should be warned that each 200- or 400-mg chewable tablet of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium provides 2.1 or 4.2 mg of phenylalanine, respectively, and each 5 mL of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium oral suspension containing 200, 400, or 600 mg of amoxicillin provides 7 mg of phenylalanine.
While these preparations should not be used in patients with phenylketonuria, other commercially available preparations of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium do not contain aspartame. For information on the potassium and sodium content of various amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium preparations, see Chemistry and Stability: Chemistry. For a more complete discussion of these and other precautions associated with the use of amoxicillin, see Cautions: Precautions and Contraindications in the Aminopenicillins General Statement 8:12.16.08.
Pediatric Precautions
Adverse effects reported in pediatric patients receiving amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium are similar to those reported in adults. In a clinical study in pediatric patients 2 months to 12 years of age with acute otitis media who received amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium oral suspension, the incidence of diarrhea was lower in those who received the drug in a dosage of 45 mg/kg of amoxicillin daily in divided doses every 12 hours than in those who received the drug in a dosage of 40 mg/kg of amoxicillin daily in divided doses every 8 hours.
Diarrhea occurred in 14.% of those receiving the twice-daily regimen and 34.% of those receiving the 3-times-daily regimen, and 3.1% of those receiving the twice-daily regimen and 7.6% of those receiving the 3-times-daily regimen had severe diarrhea or were withdrawn from the study with diarrhea. It is not known whether a similar difference in the incidence of diarrhea occurs when amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium chewable tablets are administered in a twice-daily or 3-times-daily regimen.
Safety and efficacy of the extended-release tablets of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium have not been established in pediatric patients younger than 16 years of age.
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
Studies have not been performed to date to evaluate the mutagenic or carcinogenic potential of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium.
Pregnancy, Fertitlity and Lactation
Safe use of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium during pregnancy has not been definitely established. However, oral amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium has been used in a limited number of pregnant women for the treatment of urinary tract infections or acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) without evidence of adverse effects to the fetus. Reproduction studies in mice and rats using doses up to 10 times the usual human dose have not revealed evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus.
There are no adequate or controlled studies using amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium in pregnant women, and the drug should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Aminopenicillins are generally poorly absorbed when given orally during labor.
Although the mechanism is unclear and the clinical importance has not been determined to date, studies using oral ampicillin indicate that, when administered during pregnancy, the drug interferes with metabolism and enterohepatic circulation of steroids resulting in decreased urinary concentrations of estrogen metabolites. The manufacturers state that this effect could also occur with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium.
IV administration of ampicillin to guinea pigs has decreased uterine tone and decreased the frequency, height, and duration of uterine contractions; however, it is not known whether use of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium in humans during labor or delivery could have any immediate or delayed adverse effects on the fetus, prolong the duration of labor, or increase the likelihood of forceps delivery, other obstetrical intervention, or resuscitation of the neonate.
Because amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are distributed into milk, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium should be used with caution in nursing women.
Drug Interactions
Probenecid
Oral probenecid administered shortly before or concomitantly with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium slows the rate of renal tubular secretion of amoxicillin and produces higher and prolonged serum concentrations of amoxicillin.
However, concomitant administration of probenecid with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium does not affect the area under the serum concentration-time curve (AUC), half-life, or peak serum concentration of clavulanic acid.
Allopurinol
Because an increased incidence of rash reportedly occurs in patients with hyperuricemia who are receiving allopurinol and concomitant amoxicillin or ampicillin compared with those receiving amoxicillin, ampicillin, or allopurinol alone, some clinicians suggest that concomitant use of the drugs should be avoided if possible. The manufacturers state that there are no data to date on concomitant administration of allopurinol and amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium.
Disulfiram
Although the rationale is unclear, the US Food and Drug Administration has required the manufacturers to state in their labeling that amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium should not be used in patients receiving disulfiram.
However, there is no evidence to date that concomitant use of the drugs would result in a disulfiram-like reaction, and the need for precaution when concomitant use of the drugs is considered has been questioned.
Laboratory Test Interferences
Ampicillin reportedly interferes with urinary glucose determinations using cupric sulfate (e.g., Benedict’s solution, Clinitest®), but does not affect glucose oxidase methods (e.g., Clinistix®, Tes-Tape®).
Since this laboratory test interference could also occur with amoxicillin, glucose oxidase methods should be used when urinary glucose determinations are indicated in patients receiving amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Although not reported to date with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, positive direct antiglobulin (Coombs’) test results have been reported in patients who received ticarcillin and clavulanic acid and appear to be caused by clavulanic acid. (See Cautions: Adverse Effects.) This reaction may interfere with hematologic studies or transfusion cross-matching procedures and should be considered in patients receiving amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium.
Mechanism of Action
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium usually is bactericidal in action. Concurrent administration of clavulanic acid does not alter the mechanism of action of amoxicillin. However, because clavulanic acid has a high affinity for and binds to certain b-lactamases that generally inactivate amoxicillin by hydrolyzing its b-lactam ring, concurrent administration of the drug with amoxicillin results in a synergistic bactericidal effect which expands the spectrum of activity of amoxicillin against many strains of b-lactamase-producing bacteria that are resistant to amoxicillin alone.
For information on the mechanism of action of amoxicillin, see Mechanism of Action in the Natural Penicillins General Statement 8:12.16.04 and in the Aminopenicillins General Statement 8:12.16.08. In vitro studies indicate that clavulanic acid generally inhibits staphylococcal penicillinases, b-lactamases produced by Bacteroides fragilis, b-lactamases produced by Moraxella catarrhalis (formerly Branhamella catarrhalis), and b-lactamases classified as Richmond-Sykes types II, III (TEM-type), IV, and V. Clavulanic acid can inhibit some cephalosporinases produced by Proteus vulgaris, Bacteroides fragilis, and Burkholderia cepacia (formerly Pseudomonas cepacia), but generally does not inhibit inducible, chromosomally mediated cephalosporinases classified as Richmond-Sykes type I.
Clavulanic acid generally acts as an irreversible, competitive inhibitor of b-lactamases. The mechanism by which clavulanic acid binds to and inhibits b-lactamases varies depending on the specific b-lactamase involved.
Because clavulanic acid is structurally similar to penicillins and cephalosporins, it initially acts as a competitive inhibitor and binds to the active site on the b-lactamase. An inactive acyl intermediate is then formed but it is only transiently inactive since the intermediate can be hydrolyzed, resulting in restoration of b-lactamase activity and release of clavulanic acid degradation products.
With many types of b-lactamases, however, subsequent reactions occur that lead to irreversible inactivation of the b-lactamase. Synergism does not generally occur between amoxicillin and clavulanic acid if resistance to aminopenicillins is intrinsic (i.e., results from the presence of a permeability barrier in the outer membrane of the organism or alterations in the properties of the penicillin-binding proteins).
Synergism between the drugs also does not generally occur against organisms that are susceptible to amoxicillin alone; however, a slight additive effect has been reported in vitro with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid against some non-b-lactamase-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae and some strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae and group A b-hemolytic streptococci. This additive effect may result from clavulanic acid’s intrinsic antibacterial activity, but this activity generally is inadequate for the drug to be therapeutically useful alone. Clavulanic acid, like cefoxitin and imipenem, can induce production of chromosomally mediated type I cephalosporinases in certain gram-negative bacteria that possess these enzymes (e.g., some strains of Enterobacter, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Morganella morganii).
Concomitant use of clavulanic acid with a b-lactam antibiotic that is inactivated by inducible b-lactamases theoretically could result in an antagonistic effect against organisms that possess these enzymes. However, high concentrations of clavulanic acid generally are required to induce production of these b-lactamases and the clinical importance of this effect has not been determined.
Spectrum
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is active in vitro against organisms susceptible to amoxicillin alone. In addition, because clavulanic acid can inhibit certain b-lactamases that generally inactivate amoxicillin, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is active in vitro against many b-lactamase-producing organisms that are resistant to amoxicillin alone. Clavulanic acid alone has some antibacterial activity and is active in vitro against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria including Moraxella catarrhalis (formerly Branhamella catarrhalis), Bacteroides fragilis, Haemophilus influenzae, Legionella, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Staphylococcus aureus. However, high concentrations of clavulanic acid are necessary to inhibit most susceptible organisms and the drug is not therapeutically useful alone.
In Vitro Susceptibility Testing
The National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) states that, for streptococci (including Streptococcus pneumoniae), results of in vitro susceptibility tests using penicillin can be used to predict susceptibility to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium and, for non-b-lactamase-producing enterococci, results of in vitro susceptibility tests using penicillin or ampicillin can be used to predict susceptibility to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium.
However, to determine susceptibility of staphylococci, Enterobacteriaceae, and Haemophilus to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, NCCLS recommends that disk-diffusion and dilution susceptibility tests be performed using appropriate combinations of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. For information on interpretive criteria specified for ampicillin, see Spectrum: In Vitro Susceptibility Testing, in the Aminopenicillins General Statement 8:12.16.08. To test in vitro susceptibility to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, a 2:1 ratio of amoxicillin to clavulanic acid generally is used for both disk-diffusion and agar or broth dilution procedures. Results of in vitro susceptibility tests with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium may be affected by inoculum size or test media.
However, results of the tests are not generally affected by pH changes between 6 and 8 or the presence of serum. NCCLS, the manufacturers, and most clinicians recommend that strains of staphylococci resistant to penicillinase-resistant penicillins also be considered resistant to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, although results of in vitro susceptibility tests may indicate that the organism is susceptible to the drug. In addition, NCCLS recommends that non-b-lactamase-producing strains of Haemophilus influenzae that are resistant to ampicillin (BLNAR H. influenzae) be considered resistant to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium despite the fact that results of in vitro susceptibility tests may indicate that the organisms are susceptible to the drug.
Disk Susceptibility Tests
When disk-diffusion procedures are used to test susceptibility to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, a disk containing 20 mcg of amoxicillin and 10 mcg of clavulanic acid is used. When disk-diffusion susceptibility tests are performed according to NCCLS standardized procedures using NCCLS interpretive criteria, Staphylococcus with growth inhibition zones of 20 mm or greater are considered susceptible to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium and those with zones of 19 mm or less are resistant to the drug. When disk-diffusion susceptibility tests are performed according to NCCLS standardized procedures, Enterobacteriaceae with growth inhibition zones of 18 mm or greater are susceptible to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, those with zones of 14-17 mm have intermediate susceptibility, and those with zones of 13 mm or less are resistant to the drug.
When disk-diffusion susceptibility testing for Haemophilus is performed according to NCCLS standardized procedures using Haemophilus test medium (HTM), Haemophilus with growth inhibition zones of 20 mm or greater are considered susceptible to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium and those with zones of 19 mm or less are resistant to the drug.
Dilution Susceptibility Tests
For dilution susceptibility testing (agar or broth dilution), NCCLS recommends that a 2:1 ratio of amoxicillin to clavulanic acid be used with each dilution and that the MIC of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium be reported as mcg/mL of amoxicillin and mcg/mL of clavulanic acid. The MIC of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium has also been reported as mcg of amoxicillin plus mcg of clavulanic acid per mL (i.e., mcg of “Augmentin” per mL) or in terms of the MIC of amoxicillin in the presence of a specified concentration of clavulanic acid.
When dilution tests are performed using NCCLS standardized procedures and a 2:1 ratio of amoxicillin to clavulanic acid with each dilution, Staphylcoccocus with MICs of 4 mcg/mL or less of amoxicillin and 2 mcg/mL or less of clavulanic acid are considered susceptible to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium and those with MICs of 8 mcg/mL or greater of amoxicillin and 4 mcg/mL or greater of clavulanic acid are resistant to the drug. When broth dilution susceptibility for S. pneumoniae (from nonmeningeal sites only) is performed using NCCLS standardized procedure and cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth (supplemented with 2-5% lysed horse blood), S. pneumoniae with MICs of 2 mcg/mL or less of amoxicillin and 1 mcg/mL or less of clavulanic acid are considered susceptible to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, those with MICs of 4 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 2 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid have intermediate susceptibility, and those with MICs of 8 mcg/mL or greater of amoxicillin and 4 mcg/mL or greater of clavulanic acid are resistant to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium.
When dilution susceptibility tests are performed according to NCCLS standardized procedures using NCCLS interpretive criteria, Enterobacteriaceae with MICs of 8 mcg/mL or less of amoxicillin and 4 mcg/mL or less of clavulanic acid are susceptible to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, those with MICs of 16 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 8 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid are considered to have intermediate susceptibility, those with MICs of 16 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 8 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid have intermediate susceptibility, and those with MICs of 32 mcg/mL or greater of amoxicillin and 16 mcg/mL or greater of clavulanic acid are resistant to the drug.
When susceptibility of Haemophilus is tested in a broth dilution procedure according to NCCLS standardized procedures using HTM, Haemophilus with MICs of 4 mcg/mL or less of amoxicillin and 2 mcg/mL or less of clavulanic acid are susceptible to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium and those with MICs of 8 mcg/mL or greater of amoxicillin and 4 mcg/mL or greater of clavulanic acid are resistant to the drug.
Gram-positive Aerobic Bacteria
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is active in vitro against most gram-positive aerobic cocci including penicillinase-producing and nonpenicillinase-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, and S. saprophyticus; group A b-hemolytic streptococci; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Enterococcus faecalis (formerly S. faecalis); and viridans streptococci.
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is active in vitro against many strains of penicillinase-producing staphylococci that are resistant to amoxicillin alone; however, staphylococci resistant to penicillinase-resistant penicillins are generally also resistant to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. In one in vitro study using dilutions containing a 2:1 ratio of amoxicillin to clavulanic acid, the MIC90 (minimum inhibitory concentration of the drug at which 90% of strains tested are inhibited) of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium for both penicillinase-producing and nonpenicillinase-producing strains of S. aureus was 8 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 4 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid and the MIC90 of the drug for group A b-hemolytic streptococci, S. pneumoniae, and E. faecalis was 0.03-1 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 0.015-0.5 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid. In a similar in vitro study, the MIC90 for penicillinase-producing S. aureus was 1.33 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 0.67 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid.
Gram-negative Aerobic Bacteria
Neisseria
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is active in vitro against most strains of Neisseria meningitidis and penicillinase-producing and nonpenicillinase-producing N. gonorrhoeae. Although penicillinase-producing N. gonorrhoeae (PPNG) are usually resistant to amoxicillin alone, most strains of the organism are susceptible in vitro to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium.
The MIC90 of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium for N. meningitidis is reportedly 0.12 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 0.06 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid. In one in vitro study using dilutions containing a 2:1 ratio of amoxicillin to clavulanic acid, the MIC of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium for nonpenicillinase-producing N. gonorrhoeae ranged from 0.08-2 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 0.04-1.3 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid and the MIC for PPNG ranged from 0.67-2.7 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 0.33-1.3 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid.
Haemophilus
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is active in vitro against most b-lactamase-producing and non-b-lactamase-producing strains of Haemophilus influenzae, H. parainfluenzae, and H. ducreyi. However, strains of non-b-lactamase-producing Haemophilus that are resistant to aminopenicillins may also be resistant to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. In one in vitro study using dilutions containing a 2:1 ratio of amoxicillin to clavulanate potassium, the MIC of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium for non-b-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae was 0.06-0.12 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 0.03-0.25 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid and the MIC of the drug for b-lactamase-producing strains was 0.5-2 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 0.25-1 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid. In another in vitro study using b-lactamase-producing H. influenzae type b, the MIC of amoxicillin alone ranged from 6.25-12.5 mcg/mL and the MIC of clavulanic acid alone ranged from 12-25 mcg/mL, but the MIC of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium was 0.36 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 0.36 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid. Although most strains of H. ducreyi produce b-lactamase and are resistant to amoxicillin alone, the MIC of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium for this organism has been reported to be 4 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 1 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid.
Moraxella catarrhalis
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is active in vitro against both b-lactamase-producing and non-b-lactamase-producing strains of Moraxella catarrhalis (formerly Branhamella catarrhalis). The MIC90 of amoxicillin plus clavulanate acid is 0.005 mcg/mL for non-b-lactamase-producing strains of M. catarrhalis and 0.125-0.25 mcg/mL for b-lactamase-producing strains. In an in vitro study of b-lactamase-producing M. catarrhalis, the MIC of amoxicillin alone was 25-50 mcg/mL, the MIC of clavulanic acid alone was 2.5-12.5 mcg/mL, and the MIC of amoxicillin plus clavulanate acid was 0.02-0.05 mcg/mL.
Enterobacteriaceae
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is active in vitro against Enterobacteriaceae that are susceptible to amoxicillin alone (e.g., some strains of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella, Shigella). In addition, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is active in vitro against many b-lactamase-producing strains of Citrobacter diversus, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, and P. vulgaris and some strains of b-lactamase-producing E. coli and Enterobacter that are resistant to amoxicillin alone. In one in vitro study using dilutions containing a 2:1 ratio of amoxicillin to clavulanic acid, the MIC90 of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium for E. coli was 32 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 16 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid, the MIC90 for Klebsiella and P. vulgaris was 8 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 4 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid, and the MIC90 for C. diversus and P. mirabilis was 1-2 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 0.5-1 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid. Although rare strains of C. freundii, Enterobacter cloacae, Morganella morganii (formerly Proteus morganii), Providencia, and Serratia are inhibited in vitro by high concentrations of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, most strains of these organisms are considered resistant to the drug.
Other Gram-negative Aerobic Bacteria
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium has some in vitro activity against Legionella, although the drug may not be effective clinically. In one in vitro study using CYEA media containing 2.5 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid, L. pneumophila, L. micdadei, and L. bozemanii were inhibited by 0.003 mcg/mL of amoxicillin plus clavulanate potassium. In another in vitro study using L. pneumophila and Mueller-Hinton agar, the MIC of amoxicillin alone was 1.95 mcg/mL, the MIC of clavulanic acid alone was 0.2-0.4 mcg/mL, and the MIC of amoxicillin plus clavulanate potassium was 0.61 mcg/mL. Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid is generally inactive against Pseudomonas; however, the drug may be active in vitro against Burkholderia pseudomallei (formerly Pseudomonas pseudomallei).
Anaerobic Bacteria
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is active in vitro against gram-positive anaerobic bacteria including Clostridium, Peptococcus, and Peptostreptococcus. Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is active in vitro against Prevotella melaninogenica (formerly Bacteroides melaninogenicus) and P. oralis (formerly B. oralis). Although the Bacteroides fragilis group (e.g., B. fragilis, B. distasonis, B. ovatus, B. thetaiotamicron, B. vulgatus) usually is resistant to amoxicillin alone, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is active in vitro against many strains of these organisms. In one in vitro study, the MIC of amoxicillin in the presence of 0.75 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid was 0.5-1 mcg/mL for B. fragilis, B. ovatus, B. thetaiotamicron, and B. vulgatus and 4 mcg/mL for B. distasonis.
Mycobacterium
Although the clinical importance has not been determined to date, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is active in vitro against some strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. fortuitum. M. tuberculosis and M. fortuitum are b-lactamase producers and are generally resistant to amoxicillin alone. In one in vitro study using dilutions containing a 2:1 ratio of amoxicillin to clavulanic acid, the MIC of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium for M. tuberculosis was 1-2 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 0.5-1 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the drug was 1-4 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 0.5-2 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid. In another study using M. fortuitum, the MIC of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium for most strains was 4-16 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 2-8 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid, although some strains had an MIC of 32 mcg/mL or greater of amoxicillin and 16 mcg/mL or greater of clavulanic acid.
Resistance
Gram-negative aerobic bacilli that produce Richmond-Sykes type I chromosomally mediated b-lactamases (e.g., Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) are generally resistant to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, since clavulanic acid does not inhibit most type I b-lactamases. Strains of E. coli with chromosomally mediated b-lactamases are also resistant to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Strains of E. cloacae and Providencia stuartii that appear to be resistant to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium but susceptible to ampicillin in vitro have been reported rarely.
Pharmacokinetics
Crossover studies using fixed combinations of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, amoxicillin alone, and clavulanate potassium alone indicate that concomitant administration of clavulanate potassium does not affect the pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin; however, concomitant administration of amoxicillin reportedly may increase GI absorption and renal elimination of clavulanate potassium compared with administration of clavulanate potassium alone. For additional information on absorption, distribution, and elimination of amoxicillin, see Pharmacokinetics in the Aminopenicillins General Statement 8:12.16.08 and in Amoxicillin 8:12.16.08.
Absorption
Amoxicillin trihydrate and clavulanate potassium are both generally stable in the presence of acidic gastric secretions and are well absorbed following oral administration of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium.
Peak serum concentrations of amoxicillin and of clavulanic acid are generally attained within 1-2.5 hours following oral administration of a single dose of conventional preparations of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium in fasting adults or a single dose of extended-release tablets in adults fed a standardized meal. Following oral administration of a single conventional tablet containing 250 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic acid in healthy, fasting adults, peak serum concentrations of amoxicillin and of clavulanic acid average 3.7-4.2 mcg/mL and 2.2-3.5 mcg/mL, respectively.
Following oral administration of a single conventional tablet containing 500 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic acid in healthy, fasting adults, peak serum concentrations of amoxicillin average 6.5-9.7 mcg/mL and peak serum concentrations of clavulanic acid average 2.1-3.9 mcg/mL. The manufacturer states that serum concentrations of the drugs achieved following oral administration of a single chewable tablet containing 250 mg of amoxicillin and 62.5 mg of clavulanic acid or 2 chewable tablets each containing 125 and 31.25 mg of the drugs, respectively, are similar to those achieved following oral administration of a single equivalent dose of the oral suspension.
The manufacturer also states that serum concentrations of amoxicillin achieved following oral administration of conventional preparations or extended-release tablets of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium are similar to those achieved following oral administration of equivalent doses of amoxicillin alone. Following oral administration of a single dose of 250 mg of amoxicillin and 62.5 mg of clavulanic acid as an oral suspension, peak serum concentrations of amoxicillin average 6.9 mcg/mL and peak concentrations of clavulanic acid average 1.6 mcg/mL. In one study in children 2-5 years of age with urinary tract infections, oral administration of a single dose of 125 mg of amoxicillin and 31. mg of clavulanic acid as an oral suspension resulted in serum concentrations of amoxicillin that averaged 9.4, 9.7, and 6.5 mcg/mL and serum concentrations of clavulanic acid that averaged 2.1, 4.4, and 2.5 mcg/mL at 30, 60, and 90 minutes, respectively, after the dose.
Studies in healthy adults using conventional preparations of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium indicate that presence of food in the GI tract does not affect oral absorption of either amoxicillin or clavulanic acid following administration of fixed-combination preparations of the drugs. However, amoxicillin and clavulanate are optimally absorbed from extended-release tablets of the combination when administered orally at the beginning of a standardized meal (612 kcal, 89.5 g carbohydrate, 24.5 g fat, and 14 g protein); administration of the extended-release tablets with a high-fat meal is not recommended because clavulanate absorption is decreased, and administration of these tablets in the fasting state is not recommended because amoxicillin absorption is decreased. GI absorption of the drugs from extended-release tablets is not affected by administration simultaneously with or 2 hours before a magnesium and aluminum-containing antacid (Maalox®).
Distribution
Following administration of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are both distributed into the lungs, pleural fluid, and peritoneal fluid. Low concentrations (i.e., less than 1 mcg/mL) of each drug are attained in sputum and saliva. In one study in fasting children who received a single amoxicillin dose of 35 mg/kg given as amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium oral suspension, concentrations of amoxicillin and of clavulanic acid in middle ear effusions averaged 3 and 0.5 mcg/mL, respectively, 2 hours after the dose.
Only minimal concentrations of amoxicillin or clavulanic acid are attained in CSF following oral administration of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium in patients with uninflamed meninges; higher concentrations may be attained when meninges are inflamed. In one study in patients with uninflamed meninges who received a single 250-mg oral dose of clavulanic acid as the sodium salt, concentrations of clavulanic acid in CSF obtained 1-6 hours after the dose ranged from 0-0.2 mcg/mL. In 2 patients with continuous CSF drainage after neurosurgical procedures who received a similar oral dose of the drug, peak CSF concentrations of clavulanic acid were 2.4 and 0.4 mcg/mL, respectively, and occurred approximately 4 hours after the dose; concurrent serum concentrations of clavulanic acid were 2.3 and 0.3 mcg/mL, respectively.
Amoxicillin is 17-20% bound to serum proteins. In vitro or in vivo following oral administration, clavulanic acid is reportedly 22-30% bound to serum proteins at a concentration of 1-100 mcg/mL. Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid readily cross the placenta. Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are distributed into milk in low concentrations.
Elimination
Serum concentrations of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid both decline in a biphasic manner and half-lives of the drugs are similar. Following oral administration of conventional preparations or extended-release tablets of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium in adults with normal renal function, amoxicillin has an elimination half-life of 1-1. hours and clavulanic acid has a distribution half-life of 0.28 hours and an elimination half-life of 0.78-1. hours. In one study in children 2-15 years of age, the elimination half-lives of amoxicillin and of clavulanic acid averaged 1.2 and 0.8 hours, respectively.
The metabolic fate of clavulanate potassium has not been fully elucidated; however, the drug appears to be extensively metabolized. In rats and dogs, the major metabolite of clavulanic acid is 1-amino-4-hydroxybutan-2-one; this metabolite has also been found in human urine following administration of clavulanic acid. Clavulanic acid is excreted in urine principally by glomerular filtration. Studies in dogs and rats using radiolabeled clavulanic acid indicate that 34-52, 25-27, and 16-33% of a dose of the drug is excreted in urine, feces, and respired air, respectively.
Following oral administration of a single oral dose of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium in adults with normal renal function, approximately 50-73 and 25-45% of the amoxicillin and clavulanic acid doses, respectively, are excreted unchanged in urine within 6-8 hours. In one study in healthy adults who received a single oral dose of 250 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic acid, urinary concentrations of amoxicillin and of clavulanic acid averaged 381 and 118 mcg/mL, respectively, in urine collected over the first 2 hours after the dose.
Serum concentrations of amoxicillin and of clavulanic acid are higher and the serum half-lives prolonged in patients with renal impairment. In one study in patients with creatinine clearances of 9 mL/minute, the serum half-lives of amoxicillin and of clavulanic acid were 7.5 and 4.3 hours, respectively. Oral probenecid administered shortly before or with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium competitively inhibits renal tubular secretion of amoxicillin and produces higher and prolonged serum concentrations of the drug; however, probenecid does not appreciably affect the pharmacokinetics of clavulanic acid. (See Drug Interactions: Probenecid.) Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are both removed by hemodialysis.
The manufacturers state that clavulanic acid is also removed by peritoneal dialysis. Only minimal amounts of amoxicillin appear to be removed by peritoneal dialysis.
Chemistry and Stability
Chemistry
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is a fixed combination of amoxicillin trihydrate and the potassium salt of clavulanic acid. Amoxicillin is an aminopenicillin. (See Amoxicillin 8:12..08.) The fixed combination also is commercially available as extended-release tablets containing the sodium salt and the trihydrate of amoxicillin and the potassium salt of clavulanic acid.
Clavulanic acid is a b-lactamase inhibitor produced by fermentation of Streptomyces clavuligerus. Clavulanic acid contains a b-lactam ring and is structurally similar to penicillins and cephalosporins; however, the b-lactam ring in clavulanic acid is fused with an oxazolidine ring rather than with a thiazolidine ring as in penicillins or a dihydrothiazine ring as in cephalosporins.
Although clavulanic acid has only weak antibacterial activity when used alone, the combined use of clavulanic acid and certain penicillins or cephalosporins (e.g., amoxicillin, ampicillin, carbenicillin, cefoperazone, cefotaxime, penicillin G, ticarcillin) results in a synergistic effect that expands the spectrum of activity of the penicillin or cephalosporin against many strains of b-lactamase-producing bacteria. Clavulanic acid and its salts currently are commercially available in the US only in fixed combination with other drugs. Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is commercially available for oral administration as film-coated tablets containing a 2:1 or 4:1 ratio of amoxicillin to clavulanic acid; as scored tablets containing a 7:1 ratio of amoxicillin to clavulanic acid; as chewable tablets containing a 4:1 or 7:1 ratio of amoxicillin to clavulanic acid; as extended-release tablets containing a 16:1 ratio of the drugs; or a powder for oral suspension containing a 4:1, 7:1, or 14:1 ratio of the drugs.
Although commercially available amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium contains amoxicillin as the trihydrate and clavulanic acid as the potassium salt, potency of amoxicillin is calculated on the anhydrous basis and potency of clavulanate potassium is expressed in terms of clavulanic acid.
Amoxicillin occurs as a white, practically odorless, crystalline powder and is sparingly soluble in water. Clavulanate potassium occurs as an off-white, crystalline powder and is very soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol at room temperature. Clavulanic acid has a pKa of 2.7.
Each amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium film-coated tablet containing 250 or 500 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic acid or each scored tablet containing 875 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanic acid contains 0.63 mEq of potassium. Following reconstitution as directed, each 5 mL of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium oral suspension containing 125, 200, 250, 400, or 600 mg of amoxicillin contains 0.16, 0.14, 0.32, 0.29, or 0.23 mEq of potassium, respectively.
Each amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium chewable tablet containing 125, 200, 250, 400 mg, or 600 of amoxicillin contains 0.16, 0.14, 0.32, or 0.29 mEq of potassium, respectively.
Each amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium extended-release tablet containing 1 g of amoxicillin contains 0.32 mEq of potassium and 1.27 mEq of sodium. When reconstituted as directed, the oral suspensions have a pH of 4.8-6.8.
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium chewable tables containing 200, 400, or 600 mg of amoxicillin and amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium oral suspension containing 200 or 400 mg of amoxicillin per 5 mL contain aspartame; following metabolism of aspartame in the GI tract, each 200- or 400-mg chewable tablet provides 2.1 or 4.2 mg of phenylalanine, respectively, and each 5 mL of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium oral suspension containing 200, 400, or 600 mg of amoxicillin provides 7 mg of phenylalanine.
Stability
Commercially available amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium film-coated tablets, scored tablets, chewable tablets, extended-release tablets, and powder for oral suspension should be stored in tight containers at a temperature of 25°C or lower; exposure to excessive humidity should be avoided. Following reconstitution, oral suspensions of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium should be stored at 2-8°C, and any unused suspension should be discarded after 10 days.
For further information on chemistry and stability, mechanism of action, spectrum, resistance, pharmacokinetics, uses, cautions, drug interactions, and laboratory test interferences of amoxicillin, see the Aminopenicillins General Statement 8:12.16.08 and see Amoxicillin 8:12.16.08.
Preparations
| Dosage Form | Strength | Brand Name | Composition/Features | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Suspension | 125 mg (of amoxicillin) / 31 mg (of clavulanic acid) per 5 mL | Augmentin® | With aspartame | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Oral Suspension | 200 mg (of amoxicillin) / 28 mg (of clavulanic acid) per 5 mL | Augmentin® | With aspartame | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Oral Suspension | 250 mg (of amoxicillin) / 62 mg (of clavulanic acid) per 5 mL | Augmentin® | With aspartame | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Oral Suspension | 400 mg (of amoxicillin) / 57 mg (of clavulanic acid) per 5 mL | Augmentin® | With aspartame | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Oral Suspension | 600 mg (of amoxicillin) / 42 mg (of clavulanic acid) per 5 mL | Augmentin ES-600® | With aspartame | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Tablets | 875 mg (of amoxicillin) / 125 mg (of clavulanic acid) | Augmentin® | Scored | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Tablets | 875 mg (of amoxicillin) / 125 mg (of clavulanic acid) | Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium | Scored | Teva |
| Chewable Tablets | 125 mg (of amoxicillin) / 31 mg (of clavulanic acid) | Augmentin® | With aspartame | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Chewable Tablets | 200 mg (of amoxicillin) / 28 mg (of clavulanic acid) | Augmentin® | With aspartame | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Chewable Tablets | 250 mg (of amoxicillin) / 62 mg (of clavulanic acid) | Augmentin® | With aspartame | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Chewable Tablets | 400 mg (of amoxicillin) / 57 mg (of clavulanic acid) | Augmentin® | With aspartame | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Film-coated Tablets | 250 mg (of amoxicillin) / 125 mg (of clavulanic acid) | Augmentin® | With aspartame | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Film-coated Tablets | 500 mg (of amoxicillin) / 125 mg (of clavulanic acid) | Augmentin® | With aspartame | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Extended-release Tablets | 1 g (of amoxicillin) / 62.5 mg (of clavulanic acid) | Augmentin® XR | With polyethylene glycol | GlaxoSmithKline |