? Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called penicillins. Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium fights bacteria in the body.

? Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and infections of the skin.

? Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium may also be used for purposes other than those listed in Augmentin antibiotic guide.

? Take amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

? Take only the medication that has been prescribed for you. Different formulations and/ or strengths of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium are not equivalent to one another and should not be used as substitutes. Check with your doctor if you have any questions.

? Take each dose with a full glass of water.

? Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium should be taken with a meal or snack to reduce stomach upset.

? Chew the chewable tablets before swallowing. Do not swallow them whole.

? Do not crush or chew the Augmentin XR tablets. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body. If swallowing of the whole tablets is difficult, they may be broken in half where they are scored. Both parts of the tablet should still be taken if it is broken.

? Shake the liquid form of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring spoon, dropper, or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

? Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium should be taken at evenly spaced intervals as prescribed. It is important to take amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium regularly to get the most benefit.

? Take all of the amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

? If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately: ? an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting); or

? diarrhea that is severe or lasts longer than 3 days.

? Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium and talk to your doctor if you experience

? Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Before taking Amoxicillin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amoxicillin, penicillin, or any other drugs. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other antibiotics, allopurinol (Lopurin), anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), oral contraceptives, probenecid (Benemid), and vitamins. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, allergies, asthma, blood disease, colitis, stomach problems, or hay fever. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking amoxicillin, call your doctor. If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking amoxicillin.

? Before taking amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

? You may not be able to take amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

? Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium to ensure protection from unintended pregnancy.

? Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of Augmentin antibiotic unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

? Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat. ? Store the suspension in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after 10 days.