Augmentin 625 Duo Tablet is used for short-term treatment of bacterial infections such as:

• Upper respiratory tract infections: These include recurrent tonsillitis, sinusitis and middle ear infection (otitis media).

• Lower respiratory tract infections: These include flare-ups of chronic bronchitis or COPD, and pneumonia.

• Urinary and genital tract infections: These include cystitis, urethritis and kidney infection (pyelonephritis).

• Skin and soft tissue infections: These include boils, abscesses, cellulitis and wound infections.

• Bone and joint infections: These include osteomyelitis.

• Dental infections: These include tooth abscess.

• Other infections: These include septic abortion, puerperal sepsis and intra-abdominal infections.

Augmentin should be used only for infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.

Amoxycillin is a penicillin antibiotic that kills bacteria by blocking the building of their cell wall. Some bacteria make enzymes called beta-lactamases that destroy amoxycillin. Clavulanic acid blocks these enzymes and protects amoxycillin, so the combination works against many bacteria that amoxycillin alone cannot treat. Clavulanic acid has little antibacterial effect on its own.

Tell your doctor about all medicines, supplements and herbal products you take before starting Augmentin.

• Probenecid: This is not recommended with Augmentin because it raises amoxycillin levels in the blood.

• Allopurinol: Taking it with amoxycillin increases the chance of allergic skin reactions.

• Warfarin and acenocoumarol: Blood clotting time (INR) may rise, so your doctor may monitor you closely.

• Methotrexate: Penicillins may reduce its removal from the body and increase its toxicity.

• Mycophenolate mofetil: The level of its active form may fall after starting Augmentin.

• Combined oral contraceptive pills: Antibiotics may reduce their effect. Ask your doctor about additional precautions.

• Urine sugar tests: Amoxycillin can cause false positive results with some non-enzymatic tests. Tell the lab or your doctor that you are taking it.

• Store Augmentin 625 Duo Tablet below 25°C.

• Protect the tablets from moisture and keep them in the original strip.

• Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.

• Follow any additional storage instructions printed on the product packaging.

• Use Augmentin 625 Duo Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

• For mild to moderate infections in adults, the usual dose is one 625 tablet every 12 hours. Your doctor may prescribe a different schedule for severe infections or if you have kidney problems. Take the tablet at the start of a meal. This improves absorption of clavulanic acid and reduces stomach upset. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not break or chew it.

• Finish the full course your doctor prescribes, even if you feel better, because stopping early can allow the infection to return and can encourage antibiotic resistance. Treatment should not continue beyond 14 days without review. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember with food. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together.

Common side effects of Augmentin 625 Duo Tablet may include:

• Diarrhoea

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Thrush (fungal infection of the mouth or genital area)

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Indigestion

• Skin rash, itching or hives

• Raised liver enzymes on blood tests

Serious side effects

Seek medical attention if you develop:

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, or chest pain with an allergic reaction.

• Severe skin reactions such as blistering, peeling skin, mouth sores or a widespread rash with fever.

• Severe or bloody diarrhoea or stomach cramps, which can occur during treatment or weeks after it ends.

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools or severe itching, which can be signs of a liver problem.

• Convulsions.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Passing much less urine, or blood in the urine.

• Take Augmentin at the start of a meal and finish the full course.

• Tell your doctor about any allergy to penicillins or cephalosporins before starting.

• Do not use antibiotics for colds or flu, and do not share or save leftover tablets.

• Stop the tablets and call your doctor if you develop a rash or severe diarrhoea.

• Drink enough fluids during treatment.

• Tell your doctor if you take warfarin, methotrexate, mycophenolate, allopurinol, probenecid or contraceptive pills.

• Tell your doctor if you may have glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis), because Augmentin can cause a rash and is best avoided.

• Do not use it for more than 14 days without review.