Co-amoxiclav Suspension

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > C



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 nasal passages, sinuses, 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
- 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 any 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

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