How does it work?

Co-amoxiclav is an antibiotic that is a combination of a penicillin (amoxicillin)and a substance called clavulanic acid. It kills bacteria, by interfering with their ability to form cell walls. The bacteria therefore break up and die. Clavulanic acid is an antibiotic used for its ability to enhance the effectiveness of other antibiotics, such as the penicillins. It achieves this by blocking the chemical defences some bacteria have against some penicillins, known as beta-lactamase. The addition of clavulanic acid to amoxicillin makes co-amoxiclav active against bacterial infections which have become resistant to amoxicillin.

What is it used for?

Abdominal infections

Animal bites

Infections of the organs associated with breathing including nose, windpipe and lungs (respiratory tract)

Infections of the sex organs and organs associated with urination (genito-urinary infections)

Inflammation of connective tissue, commonly the skin (cellulitis)

Use with caution in

History of allergies

If this antibiotic is used to treat glandular fever, a rash may occur

Kidney disease

Liver disease

Not to be used in

Allergy to any of the active ingredients

History of jaundice caused by a certain type of medication

Liver disease caused by the medication

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used by breastfeeding mothers.

Label warnings

Dissolve or mix this medication with water before taking.

Take at regular intervals. Complete the prescribed course unless otherwise directed.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Itching (pruritus)

Diarrhoea

Vomiting

Nausea

Allergic reaction to active ingredient

Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Dizziness

Inflammation of the large intestine (colitis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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