This page summarizes key information about Augmentin for readers in the United States. For quick navigation, use the links below.

What Augmentin Is

Active ingredients: amoxicillin + clavulanate potassium.

Augmentin is a combination antibiotic that targets a wide range of bacteria. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type agent, and clavulanate blocks many beta-lactamase enzymes that would otherwise inactivate amoxicillin. This combination helps treat infections caused by aerobic and anaerobic organisms, including certain beta-lactamase-producing strains.

Typical conditions treated include infections of the respiratory tract, skin and soft tissue, urinary tract, certain dental infections, and selected abdominal infections. For more on who should not use it, see Safety. To compare prices and alternatives in the USA, jump to Prices and Alternatives.

Related topics: Antibiotics and their responsible use; participation in sport while on antibiotics. Antibiotics are not performance enhancers and may cause fatigue or GI upset that can affect training or competition; consult a clinician about activity levels during treatment.

Available strengths (tablets):

  • 500 mg amoxicillin + 125 mg clavulanate
  • 875 mg amoxicillin + 125 mg clavulanate
  • 250 mg amoxicillin + 125 mg clavulanate

Dosing and How to Take

Dosing is individualized based on the site and severity of infection and patient factors such as kidney function. Follow your prescriber's directions exactly.

  • Swallow standard tablets whole with water. Chewable tablets must be chewed before swallowing.
  • Take doses at evenly spaced intervals to maintain steady antibacterial activity.
  • Taking Augmentin at the start of a meal can reduce stomach upset.
  • Do not take larger or more frequent doses than prescribed, and do not extend therapy unless your clinician advises.

If you need details on what to do when a dose is missed, see Missed Dose.

Safety, Precautions, and Contraindications

Do not use Augmentin if you have a known allergy to amoxicillin, clavulanate, or other penicillins. Avoid use if you previously developed liver problems, jaundice, or cholestasis related to amoxicillin/clavulanate. Infectious mononucleosis is another reason to avoid amoxicillin-containing regimens due to rash risk.

  • Use caution and medical supervision if you have significant liver disease or kidney impairment.
  • Pregnancy and lactation: many clinicians use amoxicillin/clavulanate when clearly needed; discuss risks and benefits with a healthcare professional. It passes into breast milk and may cause infant GI upset or thrush.
  • Allergic reactions can be serious. Seek urgent care for hives, facial or throat swelling, or difficulty breathing.

For interaction risks with other drugs, go to Drug Interactions.

Possible Side Effects

Most people tolerate Augmentin, but side effects may occur. Contact a clinician if symptoms are severe or persistent.

  • Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas, diarrhea, dyspepsia.
  • Hepatic: elevations in liver enzymes, hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, especially with prolonged use or in those with prior risk.
  • Allergic: rash, hives, itching, swelling; rare serious hypersensitivity.
  • Other: vaginal itching or discharge due to yeast overgrowth.

Antibiotic use can disrupt normal colonic flora and rarely allow overgrowth of C. difficile, a cause of severe diarrhea called pseudomembranous colitis. If you develop persistent or bloody diarrhea, see a clinician promptly.

Drug Interactions

  • Probenecid (for gout) may decrease renal excretion of amoxicillin and raise blood levels.
  • Concomitant antibiotics can alter gut flora and increase risk of C. difficile colitis.
  • Oral anticoagulants: some penicillin-class antibiotics may affect INR; monitor as directed.
  • Live oral vaccines such as typhoid may be less effective if taken concurrently.

Always provide your prescriber and pharmacist with an up-to-date medication list. For help choosing options if an interaction applies, see Alternatives.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time of your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double doses to make up for one that was missed.

Overdose

Signs may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, drowsiness, or agitation/hyperactivity. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical help or contact poison control in the USA at 1-800-222-1222.

Storage

  • Store tablets at 59-86 F (15-30 C).
  • Keep away from moisture and direct light.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Alternatives and Similar Medicines

Depending on the infection type, severity, allergies, and local resistance patterns, clinicians may consider the following:

  • Amoxicillin alone - similar spectrum without beta-lactamase coverage; often used for strep throat or otitis media when appropriate.
  • Cefuroxime or cefdinir (oral cephalosporins) - options for some respiratory and skin infections in penicillin-tolerant patients.
  • Azithromycin or clarithromycin (macrolides) - alternatives when beta-lactams cannot be used, but resistance can limit effectiveness.
  • Doxycycline (tetracycline class) - considered for some respiratory and skin infections; avoid in pregnancy and young children.
  • Levofloxacin or moxifloxacin (fluoroquinolones) - reserved for specific cases due to side effect profile and stewardship concerns.
  • Ampicillin/sulbactam or piperacillin/tazobactam (IV) - hospital or severe infection settings.

Discuss with your prescriber which option best matches your infection and medical history. For cost comparisons, continue to Prices in the USA.

Prices in the USA

Approximate out-of-pocket retail prices vary by pharmacy, location, coupon use, and insurance. Estimates below are for common short courses and are provided only as broad ranges in USD.

  • Augmentin brand 875/125 mg, 20 tablets: about $180-$350.
  • Generic amoxicillin/clavulanate 875/125 mg, 20 tablets: about $15-$60.
  • Generic amoxicillin/clavulanate 500/125 mg, 20-30 tablets: about $12-$55.
  • Doxycycline 100 mg, 14 capsules/tablets: about $4-$25.
  • Azithromycin 250 mg, 6 tablets (Z-Pak): about $7-$30.
  • Cefdinir 300 mg, 20 capsules: about $15-$70.
  • Levofloxacin 500 mg, 7-10 tablets: about $10-$45.

Insurance copays may be lower; discount cards or price-comparison tools can significantly reduce cash prices.

  • Prescription-only: In the United States, Augmentin and its generics require a valid prescription from a US-licensed prescriber. It is not available over the counter.
  • Telehealth: Many states allow prescriptions via telemedicine when clinically appropriate, subject to state law.
  • Importation: The FDA generally prohibits importation of prescription drugs for personal use. Small personal importation is narrowly discretionary and not guaranteed; ordering antibiotics from overseas websites can lead to seizure and safety risks.
  • Antibiotic stewardship: US professional guidelines emphasize using antibiotics only when clearly indicated, at the correct dose and duration, to limit resistance.
  • Use in sports: Not a banned substance, but athletes should confirm with team or event medical staff about participation during illness and treatment.
  • Disposal: Follow FDA drug take-back programs or mix unused tablets with undesirable substances and seal in a bag before trashing if take-back is unavailable.

For dosing guidance within these legal parameters, revisit Dosing and How to Take.

Important Disclaimer

The information on this page is general and does not cover all directions, precautions, or interactions. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow instructions from your healthcare provider and pharmacist. The authors are not responsible for any consequences resulting from use of the information provided here.