Amoxiclav antibiotic is available in several forms: the powder from which the solution for injective administration is made, tablets of different dosages, the mixture on the basis of which the suspension is prepared. The relative safety of Amoxiclav allows children and adults to use the drug, however, strictly under the supervision of a physician. No less than the doctor's recommendations, the rules of use indicated in the instructions are important. The manufacturer always puts it in a cardboard box with the drug. You need to study the accompanying documents before the first appointment in order to use the medicine correctly.
Release forms and composition
Amoxiclav antibiotic in powder form, on the basis of which the suspension is prepared, is available in two dosage options: 156.25 mg and 312.5 mg per 5 ml. The antimicrobial composition in suspension is represented by trihydrate. Based on 5 ml, it is added in quantities of 125 and 250 mg. The second active ingredient is clavulanic acid. It was added to the powder for suspension with a lower concentration of drug compounds in an amount of 31.25 mg per 5 ml, the second form of release contains 62.5 ml.
In addition to the active compounds, the antibiotic Amoxiclav in the form of a substance that is diluted to suspension contains auxiliary components:
- sodium saccharin, benzoate, citrate;
- cellulose;
- mannitol.
Another format for the release of the antibiotic Amoxiclav is the substance on the basis of which a solution for intravenous administration is prepared. It is presented in two dosage options for the active components - 600 and 1,200 mg. Amoxicillin in powder is contained in the amount of 500 and 1,000 mg, respectively, and clavulanic acid - 100 mg and 200 mg, respectively.
Finally, the proven antibiotic Amoxiclav on pharmacy shelves is represented by a wide variety of tablets. The minimum dosage option is 250/125. The antimicrobial composition itself is present in one tablet in an amount of 250 mg, 125 mg is the volume of the potassium salt of clavulanic acid. Additional components used in the manufacture of tablets:
Another form of release (judging by the statistics of sales, very popular) is doubled amoxicillin. 125 mg of clavulanic acid in one tablet accounts for 500 mg of the antimicrobial component, and in an even stronger version - 875 mg. In addition to the active compounds, tablets contain:
- aspartame;
- silicon dioxide;
- cellulose;
- aromatic additives;
- dyes;
- Castor oil;
- talc.
Antimicrobial activity
In the instructions for the antibiotic Amoxiclav, the manufacturer indicates that the drug belongs to the number of combined antimicrobials. The main component showing a pronounced effect against a wide range of pathological life forms is amoxicillin. The antimicrobial compound belongs to the penicillin series, differs in breadth of action. Clavulanic acid is a substance that inhibits beta-lactamase infectious agent. Thanks to this compound, it is possible to prevent too rapid destruction of amoxicillin: the acid enters with beta-lactamases into stable bonds, leading to the formation of compounds with no activity.
The instructions for the antibiotic Amoxiclav contain a list of bacterial strains for which the medication is effective. The advantage of the drug is the possibility of its use even against pathological microorganisms resistant to amoxicillin, since clavulanic acid is in the composition. The most pronounced effect against types of microorganisms from the following categories:
- strepto-, entero-, pepto-, peptostrepto-, staphylococci;
- listeria;
- moraxella;
- Klebsiella;
- Proteus
- bacteroids;
- clostridia;
- actinomycetes.
Composition specifics
The effectiveness of the use of the antibiotic Amoxiclav is explained by similar kinetics of the two main components of the drug. This also explains why they do not affect the kinetics of each other and can be successfully used in combination. Soon after administration, absorption occurs, and after an hour, the maximum concentration of both acid and amoxicillin is observed in the patient's circulatory system.
As tests have shown, the use of the antibiotic Amoxiclav with food does not affect the efficiency of the absorption process of the active compounds. Close and half-life indicators:
- amoxicillin - 78 minutes;
- clavulanic acid - 60-70 minutes.
Active compounds easily penetrate into fluids, tissues of the human body. The highest concentrations are observed in:
- sinuses of the upper jaws;
- lungs;
- middle ear;
- the uterus;
- ovaries;
- pleural fluid;
- abdominal cavity.
In the instructions for the use of the antibiotic Amoxiclav, the manufacturer indicates the ability of the components of the drug to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, the medication is effective for meningitis caused by bacteria that are sensitive to amoxicillin. In addition, the substance of the drug can penetrate the placenta. Studies have shown their traces in breast milk.
Instructions for the use of the antibiotic Amoxiclav states that intravenous infusions in the amount of 1,200 mg allow to obtain the highest rates of active compounds within an hour after administration, the average parameters are as follows:
- amoxicillin - 105.4 mg / ml;
- clavulanic acid - 28.5 mg / ml.
Both substances can come into contact with plasma proteins. For antimicrobial substances, the parameter is estimated at 17-20%, for acid - at 22-30%.
When taking the Amoxiclav antibiotic, it must be borne in mind that the transformation of clavulanic acid occurs predominantly in the liver, and the metabolites are excreted through the kidneys, a small amount through the intestines, a certain percentage with expired air. The antimicrobial compound is practically not metabolized; it is excreted from the body with urine.
When will it help?
As noted in the reviews on the antibiotic "Amoxiclav" patients who took it, the tool is completely indispensable for otitis media, sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. The manufacturer in the instructions recommends choosing this drug if it is diagnosed:
- abscess of the pharyngeal region;
- gynecological infectious diseases;
- periodontitis;
- gonorrhea;
- chancroid;
- infection of soft tissues, articular areas, bones, skin, urinary tract, and oral cavity.
Amoxiclav antibiotic (1000 mg and other dosage forms - as the doctor prescribes) is useful as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent if inflammatory, purulent infections, complications after operations on the following organs are supposed:
- kidneys
- a heart;
- small pelvis;
- ducts for bile;
- abdominal cavity.
The medication was widely used in orthopedics, among surgeons who operate on the face, jaw. An antibiotic is indispensable if mixed infection is established, the agent is gram-positive, gram-negative, anaerobic microorganisms. The answer to the question of whether it is possible to take the Amoxiclav antibiotic for infection of ENT organs will be positive. The tool in various forms is prescribed for infections after operations, pneumonia, developing by the aspiration type, as well as abscesses localized in the mammary glands.
How to use?
The antibiotic Amoxiclav in the form of tablets is recommended to be used at the beginning of a meal. The capsule is swallowed whole, without violating the integrity of the shell, abundantly washed down with water. The amount of medication used at a time and the frequency of administration are selected by the attending physician based on the diagnosis, condition of the patient, age and weight.
The manufacturer in the instructions indicates how much they drink Amoxiclav antibiotics: from five days to two weeks. As in the case with any other antimicrobial compounds, this drug is used not only until the symptoms are completely eliminated, but also a few days later in order to prevent the development of superinfection. If, after a two-week period, the symptoms of the disease still bother, you should consult a doctor to choose the optimal format for continuing therapy - perhaps the doctor will decide to replace the medication.
Amoxiclav antibiotic is allowed for children and adults. In the form of tablets, the minimum age limit is six years. However, this does not mean that amoxicillin should not be used earlier: the antibiotic Amoxiclav for children under the age of six is a suspension.
The optimal standard dosage for 6-12 years old is 40 mg of amoxicillin per kilogram of weight, the total amount is divided into three servings. With a weight of 40 kg or more, at the age of 12 years and older, tablets are used taking into account the diagnosis of:
- lungs, medium level of the disease - three times a day with eight-hour breaks on a 250/125 tablet;
- severe diseases - three times a day with eight-hour breaks on a tablet 500/125.
Alternative option: in a severe case - twice a day with twelve-hour breaks on a tablet 875/125; for milder diseases - twice a tablet 500/125.
Norms, doses and restrictions
Can I drink the Amoxiclav antibiotic in an amount of more than 6 g per day? In the instructions, the manufacturer indicates the inadmissibility of exceeding the norm. The potassium salt of clavulanic acid should be ingested in an amount of not more than 600 mg.
If kidney failure is detected, and creatinine clearance is estimated at 10 ml per minute or less, you will have to reduce the dosage of the drug and increase the pauses between doses. The specific rules of the program will be said by the doctor. If anuria is observed, between two consecutive antibiotic doses, you will have to wait at least two days.
If creatinine clearance is estimated at 50 ml per minute or more, tablets are used at eight-hour intervals. With indicators less than 50, but more than 10 ml per minute, it is indicated to do twelve-hour intervals between doses.
Terms of use: suspension
Amoxiclav antibiotic for children is most suitable in this particular version. The manufacturer included aromatic components in the composition, so taking the drug for the baby is not so unpleasant. As a result, it is easier to persuade the child to undergo treatment, even if the child has become very moody due to illness.
The cooking process begins with a thorough shaking of the bottle with the drug: all particles must separate from the walls, bottom. Then, in two stages, 86 ml of liquid is poured inside, after each of the steps, shaking the medication. For the convenience of using the Amoxiclav baby antibiotic, the manufacturer supplements the packaging with a measuring spoon containing 5 ml of the finished substance.
How many suspensions should be used at a time, how often to repeat the methods, the doctor will tell: the baby should not prescribe the drug on its own. Take into account the characteristics of the disease, the severity of the course, age and body weight of the patient.
Suspension dosage rules
The antibiotic Amoxiclav can be taken as early as three months of age. For the smallest, the optimal format is 30 mg per kilogram of mass (the calculation is based on amoxicillin). The resulting amount must be divided into two servings, taken with twelve-hour breaks.
If the child weighs less than 40 kg, then the dosage should be less: 25 mg / kg, used in two stages, or 25 mg / kg, consumed at eight-hour intervals three times a day. This scheme is recommended if the disease is rated as moderate. In severe pathologies, it is necessary to use the suspension twice a day in a total amount of 45 mg / kg or three times, slightly reducing the dose - 40 mg / kg.
For children, the maximum daily dosage is 45 mg / kg of amoxicillin. Clavulanic acid potassium salt is allowed for use in an amount of not more than 10 mg per kilogram of weight.
Intravenous infusion
Like some other antibiotics from the penicillin group, Amoxiclav is available in the form of a vein infusion. In 30 mg of the drug - 25 mg of amoxicillin, the other volume is clavulanic acid.
The rules for preparing the solution are as follows:
- the drug is dissolved in a special liquid;
- the solution is administered in four minutes;
- 600 ml of powder is taken in 10 ml of liquid, twice as much is doubled the amount of water for injection.
If infusions are recommended, a special infusion solution is added to the liquid and antibiotic (50 ml or twice as much - depends on the dosage of amoxicillin). The duration of the infusion is up to 40 minutes.
The manufacturer draws attention: the solution must be started after 20 minutes from the moment of its preparation or earlier. After this period, it becomes unusable. Do not freeze the medication.
To choose which antibiotic is better - "Amoxiclav" for infusion into a vein, tablets or suspension, it is better to provide the doctor. The doctor evaluates the condition of the patient, draws up a therapeutic program. As a rule, intravenous infusions are recommended only from 12 years old, and for adult patients only in case of a serious condition of the patient. After stabilization, you can switch to the tablet version. The total duration of the course lasts about two weeks. Infusions are indicated only for persons over 12 years old weighing more than 40 kg.
The best dosage: 1.2 g at eight-hour intervals.
In some cases, infusions may be recommended for patients from three months to twelve years of age. Dosage - 30 mg per kilogram of weight. Breaks between procedures - 8 hours.
If the disease is severe, the frequency of administration is increased, the intervals are reduced to six hours. An exception is for children under three months of age. In the first days of life, an antibiotic can be used twice a day at a dosage of 30 mg / kg. This application format is indicated for premature babies.
Preventive measures: Amoxiclav
Which group of antibiotics does not contain a means for the prevention of various diseases? Perhaps this simply does not exist. Penicillins, known to medicine for a long time, are no exception. The drug on amoxicillin can be successfully used if there is a risk of complications during surgery. They begin to use an antibiotic before the intervention. Correct and reasonable use of the drug reduces the likelihood of infection with pathological forms of life, the formation of foci of purulent discharge.
The manufacturer advises using Amoxiclav shortly before the administration of the anesthetic. The optimal format is an injection into a vein, the dosage is 1.2 g. If the intervention is short-term, one infusion is enough, but more than an hour-long surgical intervention is planned, after some time the composition is repeated. Up to four infusions are permissible per day.
If the risk of complications is assessed as very high, the drug is injected into a vein or given to the patient in food after the event. This is especially important if signs of infection have already been identified during surgery. The manufacturer recommends in this situation to continue to do the infusion at the end of surgical procedures.
Amoxiclav Quicktab
These are tablets intended for dilution in water. Immediately before administration, one tablet is diluted in 100 ml of water (a larger volume can be used). You have to thoroughly mix the substance. The liquid is immediately drunk completely. The manufacturer indicates in the instructions that you can take the drug differently: first chew, and then drink with liquid.
Amoxiclav Quicktab is recommended for people over the age of twelve, whose weight is 40 kg or more. On average, it is recommended to use 2-3 tablets per day containing 500 mg of amoxicillin. Between receptions maintain equal time intervals. The specific dosage is determined by the doctor, assessing the severity of the disease. It is recommended to use the drug during meals.
If the disease is very difficult, prescribe Amoxiclav Quicktab 875/125. Tablets are taken twice a day, observing equal time intervals between them. The duration of the therapeutic course is determined on the basis of analyzes and is selected by the attending doctor. The manufacturer draws attention to the inadmissibility of treatment with Amoxiclav Quicktab tablets for more than two weeks.
Unpleasant consequences: what to be prepared for?
Both clinical observations and patient reviews indicate a high tolerance to the drug. Side effects sometimes occur, but they are all mild, short-lived. Up to 4% of patients suffered from stool disorders. About 3% noted nausea at first. Other negative reactions of the body, although they are observed, but in a very small number of cases. Observations indicate the possibility of a negative response of the body in the following forms:
- dyspepsia;
- increased gas formation;
- colitis;
- allergic reactions;
- angioedema;
- gastritis;
- eosinophilia;
- anemia;
- leuko-, thrombocytopenia;
- dermatitis;
- erythema;
- sleep disturbances;
- confused consciousness;
- blood impurities in urine;
- nephritis;
- candidiasis.
Laboratory studies can show an increased activity of liver enzymes, an increase in AlAT, AsAT, which does not manifest itself as symptoms, and an increase in the amount of bilirubin in the blood. Usually, liver dysfunction is observed in old age, as well as with a long therapeutic course.
Hepatitis and jaundice when using the Amoxiclav antibiotic are possible, but are fixed in a vanishingly small percentage of cases.
Usually negative reactions of the body appear during therapy, some come immediately after taking the drug. Much less common are situations where negative symptoms first bother a week or two after the course is completed.
Strongly impossible!
Absolute contraindications are:
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Mutual influence
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The experiments showed that the resistance of Amoxiclav in liquids containing impurities of dextrose and glucose is relatively low.
It is strictly forbidden to mix other drugs for injective administration in an Amoxiclav syringe.
Too much!
From clinical practice it is known that the likelihood of an overdose is extremely small. If you exceed the manufacturer recommended volumes, you may:
- sleep disturbance;
- seizure
- Dizziness
- excited state.
To alleviate the condition of the patient, a course of symptomatic treatment is prescribed. Efficacy shows blood dialysis.
Amoxiclav for angina
If tonsillitis is diagnosed, Amoxiclav is rarely prescribed and only if the disease is very difficult. Before prescribing the drug, the doctor directs the patient for analysis in order to identify the sensitivity of the infectious agent to the drug. Only after establishing the fact of the effectiveness of amoxicillin, you can start taking Amoxiclav according to the instructions.
With angina, children are prescribed a suspension, adults are prescribed a tablet form. Infusions are indicated only if the disease is very severe. The tool is used in a short course. Prolonged use is associated with a risk of superinfection, when pathological microorganisms lose their sensitivity to amoxicillin.
Drug compatibility
Avoid the simultaneous use of the antibiotic Amoxiclav and anticoagulants that have an indirect effect on the body, since there is a risk of an increase in prothrombin time.
The simultaneous entry into the body of the drug in question and agents containing allopurinol can cause exanthema. In combination with metatrexate, amoxicillin leads to increased toxicity of the former. The simultaneous ingestion of amoxicillin and rifampicin can lead to undesirable consequences, since these substances act on each other, weakening the effectiveness.
It is unacceptable to take Amoxiclav simultaneously with macrolides, tetracyclines, sulfonamides - all of them significantly reduce the effectiveness of amoxicillin.
An antimicrobial agent weakens the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
Amoxiclav: is it worth taking?
If the doctor prescribed this drug, then the pathogenic microflora is sensitive to its active compounds. Replacing Amoxiclav at your discretion with other medicines is categorically not recommended - it is quite possible that the alternative will not show the result that would be if you used the drug recommended by the doctor.
The closest in composition and qualities to this one is the antibiotic Amoxicillin. True, if the doctor recommended choosing Amoxiclav, you should heed the advice: it is possible that pathological microorganisms are insensitive only to the antimicrobial component, but can be defeated by its combination with acid. It must be remembered that amoxicillin in medical practice was widely used for a long time, and many microorganisms developed a stable immunity to the substance. Just in such a situation, Amoxiclav, which contains clavulanic acid, is useful.
Analogs and comparisons
Quite high demand for the drug "Augmentin." It is due to the content of clavulanic acid in combination with amoxicillin, therefore, in fact, the tool is an absolute analogue of the antibiotic Amoxiclav.
The Flemoxin preparation is quite close in composition and effects to Amoxiclav, but it contains only amoxicillin, which significantly narrows the spectrum of action. It is possible to use Flemoxin only after a preliminary analysis confirming the sensitivity of pathogenic microflora to the antimicrobial compound.
Another possible substitute is Sumamed. This antimicrobial drug is based on azithromycin, a substance with a broad spectrum of efficacy. Before determining the optimal treatment program, the doctor directs the patient for analysis and reveals the sensitivity of microorganisms to both antibiotics. Based on the results, they decide on the choice of a therapeutic program.
In addition, the following preparations similar to Amoxiclav are on sale:
- "Clavocin";
- "Bactoclav";
- Moksiklav;
- "Medoklav".
It is not allowed to drink alcohol during the therapeutic course, since alcoholic beverages significantly reduce the antimicrobial effectiveness of the components of the drug, increasing the toxic effect of drugs on the patient's body.