Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is a combination prescription antibiotic. Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. Clavulanate potassium is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that helps prevent certain bacteria from becoming resistant to amoxicillin.

Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium is used to treat many different infections caused by bacteria, such as , pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and infections of the skin.

You should not use amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium if you have severe kidney disease, if you have had liver problems or jaundice while taking this medicine previously, or if you are allergic to any penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic, such as Amoxil, Ceftin, Cefzil, Levaquin, Moxatag, Omnicef, and others.

If you switch from one tablet form to another (regular, chewable, or extended-release tablet), take only the new tablet form and strength prescribed for you. Amoxicillin and clavulanate may not be as effective or could be harmful if you do not use the exact tablet form your doctor has prescribed.

Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to amoxicillin and clavulanate, or if:

• you have severe kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• you have had liver problems or jaundice while taking amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium; or

• you are allergic to any penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic, such as Amoxil, Ceftin, Cefzil, Moxatag, Omnicef, and others.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease (hepatitis or jaundice);

• kidney disease; or

• mononucleosis.

The liquid or chewable tablet may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge) to prevent pregnancy.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I take amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium?

Take amoxicillin and clavulanate exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium may work best if you take it at the start of a meal.

Take the medicine every 12 hours.

Do not crush or chew the extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole, or break the pill in half and take both halves one at a time. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing a whole or half pill.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Store the tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Store the liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused liquid after 10 days.