A fixed-dose combination antibiotic consisting of Amoxycillin, a broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic, and Clavulanic Acid, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. This combination extends the spectrum of Amoxycillin to include beta-lactamase-producing bacteria, making it effective against many resistant strains. It is a first-line treatment for a wide range of community-acquired bacterial infections in India.
Adult: One tablet (500mg/125mg) every 12 hours. For severe infections (e.g., pneumonia) or those caused by less susceptible organisms: One tablet every 8 hours.
Note: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Preferably take at the start of a meal to enhance absorption and minimize gastrointestinal upset. Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve.
Amoxycillin binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) on the bacterial cell wall, inhibiting the final transpeptidation step of peptidoglycan synthesis. This leads to activation of autolytic enzymes, causing cell lysis and death. Clavulanic acid has negligible intrinsic antibacterial activity but irreversibly inhibits a wide range of beta-lactamase enzymes (e.g., TEM-1, SHV-1) produced by bacteria, thereby protecting Amoxycillin from degradation.
Pregnancy: Category B (US FDA). Considered generally safe. Extensive use in pregnant women has not shown increased risk of malformations. Use only if clearly needed, as per physician's advice.
Driving: May cause dizziness. Patients should not drive or operate machinery if they experience dizziness.
| Probenecid | Decreases renal tubular secretion of Amoxycillin, increasing and prolonging its blood levels. | Moderate |
| Allopurinol | Increases the incidence of non-allergic skin rash. | Moderate |
| Oral Contraceptives | May reduce efficacy due to altered gut flora; advise use of non-hormonal backup contraception. | Moderate |
| Warfarin/Acenocoumarol | May potentiate anticoagulant effect, increasing INR and risk of bleeding. | Major |
| Methotrexate | Reduces renal clearance of methotrexate, increasing risk of toxicity. | Major |
| Mycophenolate Mofetil | May reduce plasma concentration of the active metabolite (MPA). | Moderate |
Same composition (Amoxycillin (500mg) + Clavulanic Acid (125mg)), different brands: