Auglavin

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Auglavin

What is Auglavin? Defining the Combination Antibiotic

Property Description
Active ingredients Amoxicillin, Clavulanic acid
Form Tablet, Oral Suspension, IV Preparation
Pharmacological class Penicillins / beta-Lactamase Inhibitor
Common use Treatment of Bacterial Infections
Origin Semisynthetic

What Type of Medicine is Auglavin (Co-amoxiclav)?

Auglavin is a prescription antibiotic classified scientifically as a penicillin / beta-lactamase inhibitor combination, recognized by its generic name Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid or Co-amoxiclav. It is a semisynthetic derivative of the core penicillin structure. Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid is widely categorized as an essential medicine, reflecting its importance in clinical practice. This status reflects the medicine's role as a tool in public health for managing bacterial infections. This combination is utilized against susceptible organisms, contributing to its broad clinical recognition.


Composition and Dual Action Principle

The medication contains two distinct active ingredients: Amoxicillin, the primary aminopenicillin antibacterial, and Clavulanate potassium, which functions as a protective beta-lactamase inhibitor. This dual-ingredient approach is utilized because Amoxicillin can be deactivated by bacterial enzymes. The Clavulanate potassium component acts by neutralizing these defenses, thereby protecting the Amoxicillin from degradation. The inclusion of Clavulanic acid preserves the activity of Amoxicillin against beta-lactamase-producing organisms. The combination is designed to overcome specific bacterial defense mechanisms. Auglavin is available in various oral dosage forms, including tablets and an oral suspension.


General Purpose: Combatting Bacterial Infections

The general purpose of Auglavin is to treat a wide array of bacterial infections across different body systems by utilizing its broad-spectrum bactericidal capabilities. The integration of the beta-lactamase inhibitor is intended to ensure the drug can combat infections caused by bacteria that are typically non-susceptible or treatment-resistant to single-agent penicillin-class drugs. This provides a robust antibacterial action, which is utilized when facing challenging pathogens.

Regulatory References

  1. World Health Organization (WHO) website
  2. WHO Essential Medicines List
  3. National Library of Medicine (NLM) website

What side effects are possible with Auglavin?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The official safety documentation for Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (Auglavin) details potential adverse reactions according to frequency and the body system affected. The most frequently reported adverse reactions, classified as Common in regulatory documents, include gastrointestinal effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, as well as mucocutaneous candidiasis (yeast infection) and skin rashes.

System-Organ-Class Safety Overview

Adverse reactions are formally grouped in regulatory labeling by the system involved, including the Gastrointestinal System, Hepatobiliary Disorders (liver and bile duct), the Immune System, and Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue.

Reactions classified as Rare or Very Rare include more significant systemic effects. Serious adverse reactions explicitly documented in official sources include Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs), such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and Severe Hepatic Dysfunction (cholestatic jaundice and hepatitis). Anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction, is also listed. Furthermore, Clostridioides difficile-Associated Diarrhea (CDAD) is a serious risk that can occur up to two months after treatment is finished.

Specific Safety Considerations

The official safety information defines constraints for certain patient groups. Use of Auglavin is formally contraindicated in individuals with a history of cholestatic jaundice or liver dysfunction associated with previous exposure to the drug. It should also be avoided in patients with infectious mononucleosis due to a high risk of developing a generalized rash. For patients with severe renal impairment, specific formulations are contraindicated.

Overdose and Emergency Response

A suspected overdose of Auglavin (Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid) necessitates seeking immediate medical attention and the product must be immediately discontinued. Documented manifestations of overdose primarily involve gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, along with signs of sleepiness (somnolence).

More severe and life-threatening outcomes are officially recognized in regulatory labeling, including the risk of severe convulsions (seizures) and amoxicillin crystalluria. The risk of crystalluria is especially relevant with high doses and can lead to severely decreased urine output. Convulsions are noted to occur more frequently in patients with pre-existing impaired renal function, a population-specific consideration found in official documents.

Since no specific antidote is known for this combination, management must rely on symptomatic and supportive treatment. Key procedural measures are maintaining adequate fluid intake and monitoring urinary output to mitigate the risk of crystalluria. For cases of severe systemic overexposure, the official texts confirm that both Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid can be removed from the circulation by haemodialysis. This profile strictly guides the required emergency response.

Therapeutic Uses of Auglavin

Auglavin: Main Uses and Benefits

Quick Facts:

  • May address: Infections of the lower respiratory tract.
  • May be used for: Acute bacterial otitis media.
  • May support recovery from: Sinusitis.
  • May provide benefit in: Skin and skin structure infections.
  • May be part of a regimen for: Urinary tract infections.

Auglavin is a medication that may be indicated for the management of various bacterial infections in adults and pediatric patients. Its primary purpose is to help the body address conditions caused by susceptible bacteria. It may be used as a treatment option for lower respiratory tract infections, supporting the body's natural defense mechanisms against the invading microorganisms.

Furthermore, this compound may be beneficial in the care regimen for acute bacterial otitis media (middle ear infection) and sinusitis. The use of Auglavin may also extend to the management of skin and skin structure infections and urinary tract infections that are due to certain strains of susceptible bacteria. As with all prescription treatments, the drug is intended to be used only for infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be bacterial in origin.

Consultation with a healthcare professional is necessary to determine if Auglavin is the appropriate course of care for a specific infection.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility and Contraindications

Official regulatory documents define strict criteria for the use of Auglavin (Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid). Eligibility is determined primarily by patient history, age, and organ function.

Classification Restricted Population/Condition
Absolute Contraindication History of hypersensitivity to any penicillin, beta-lactam antibacterial drug, or any component of Auglavin.
History of cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction associated with prior use of Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid.
Use Avoided/Not Recommended Patients with Infectious Mononucleosis or Lymphatic Leukemia (risk of non-allergic rash).
Patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min) for certain high-dose or extended-release formulations.
Use with Caution/Conditional Patients with hepatic impairment (requires regular monitoring of liver function).
Pregnancy (use only when clearly needed) and Breastfeeding (caution advised due to excretion in milk).

Safety and efficacy are established in children 3 months of age and older. Use in infants younger than 3 months is limited, and for older adults, use is conditioned on close monitoring of renal function.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documents define several pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interaction patterns for Auglavin (Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid), which modify drug exposure or compound certain effects.

Documented Pharmacokinetic Interactions

Co-administration with Probenecid is not recommended. Probenecid inhibits the renal tubular secretion of the Amoxicillin component, resulting in a documented increase and prolongation of Amoxicillin's plasma concentrations. Similarly, Auglavin reduces the renal clearance of Methotrexate, leading to increased Methotrexate exposure and potential toxicity.

Documented Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Auglavin's use alongside Allopurinol is formally associated with an increased incidence of skin rash, a known side effect of Amoxicillin. For patients on Oral Anticoagulants, co-administration may increase the prolongation of prothrombin time, which requires appropriate monitoring. The medicine may also reduce the efficacy of combined Oral Contraceptives.

Food and Timing Rules

Regulatory labeling establishes that to enhance the absorption of the Clavulanate component and minimize gastrointestinal intolerance, Auglavin should be taken at the start of a meal.

Population-Specific Notes

The prescribing information notes that use in patients with Infectious Mononucleosis is linked to a higher incidence of rash.

Mechanism of Action

The action of Auglavin (Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid) is achieved through a precise dual mechanism that targets two distinct aspects of bacterial physiology: structure and defense.

Disrupting Bacterial Structure via PBP Inhibition

This domain covers the primary molecular action exerted by Amoxicillin. The molecule directly and irreversibly inhibits the bacterial enzymes known as Penicillin-Binding Proteins (PBPs), which are responsible for the final cross-linking of the peptidoglycan layer in the cell wall. This inhibition leads to the breakdown of the structural integrity of the cell, causing it to rupture and die, resulting in a bactericidal effect .

Neutralizing Bacterial Defense Mechanisms

This domain addresses the complementary role of Clavulanic acid. It functions as a sacrificial, irreversible inhibitor of β-lactamase enzymes , which are bacterial defenses produced to destroy the Amoxicillin. By neutralizing this defense, Clavulanic acid protects the antibiotic, thereby allowing the cell wall disruption mechanism to proceed, expanding the range of susceptible organisms.

Mechanistic Constraints on Efficacy

The mechanism is physiologically constrained when bacteria develop alternative resistance strategies, such as altering the structure of their PBPs to reduce the binding affinity for Amoxicillin. This fundamental change in the target protein prevents the core bactericidal action from being initiated, regardless of the β-lactamase inhibitor's presence.

Dosage and Administration Information

Auglavin (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate) is administered via the oral route (as tablets, chewable tablets, or oral suspension) or the intravenous (IV) route (as a powder for injection). Product documentation defines the typical dosage, frequency, and specific administration conditions.


Dosing and Administration Protocol

Administration Element Standard Instruction
Timing with Meals Oral doses are taken at the start of a meal. This condition is intended to enhance the absorption of the clavulanate component.
Adult Dosing Standard oral dosing is typically 500 mg/125 mg every 12 hours (q12h) or 875 mg/125 mg every 12 hours for more severe cases. The IV dose is typically 1.2 g every 8 hours (q8h).
Course Duration The standard treatment course typically lasts 7 to 10 days. Treatment is generally not extended beyond 14 days without reassessment.

Administration Requirements for Specific Populations

Standard protocols include dose modification for patients with renal impairment. For adult patients with a creatinine clearance (CrCl) of 10–30 mL/min, the dose is generally adjusted to 500 mg/125 mg every 12 hours. For CrCl < 10 mL/min, the dose is typically reduced to 500 mg/125 mg every 24 hours. The 875 mg tablet and the extended-release formulations are not recommended for use in patients with CrCl < 30 mL/min.

For oral suspensions, the powder is reconstituted with water and shaken well before each use. If a dose is missed, it is typically taken as soon as remembered, unless it is close to the next scheduled dose, in which case the missed dose is skipped; a double dose should not be taken.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Auglavin

This summary outlines the types of research and studies that have examined the combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. It describes what researchers set out to measure and what findings were described in those specific studies, without offering any clinical advice or interpretation of the results for individual circumstances.


Research Evidence for Upper Respiratory and Ear Infections

This section summarizes the structure of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews that have investigated the use of Auglavin for conditions such as acute bacterial sinusitis and otitis media. Studies examined outcomes related to physical discomfort and the measurement of symptom evolution.

Research included trials that compared Auglavin to amoxicillin alone, particularly in research settings where beta-lactamase-producing bacteria were present. However, certainty remains low for some comparisons, as trials may have varied in their criteria. In general studies, difficulty in accurately distinguishing between a bacterial cause and a non-bacterial cause can introduce heterogeneity into the findings.


Research Evidence for Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Research for conditions like Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) and exacerbations of chronic lung diseases included trials that compared Auglavin to other broad-spectrum antibiotics recommended for these conditions. The research was evaluated in specific populations, including hospitalized older adults and non-hospitalized adult patients.

The study outcomes examined rates of clinical status or therapeutic failure, as well as the observed eradication of targeted bacteria. Research indicates that direct, high-quality head-to-head RCTs comparing Auglavin to Amoxicillin alone for all CAP subgroups are often not available. Furthermore, some older studies described patterns related to lower measured drug levels in the sputum.


Evidence in Special Populations

Auglavin was evaluated in numerous trials involving pediatric patients (children aged 3 months and older) and older adults for various indications. However, data for certain groups remain insufficient. For instance, specific treatment outcomes for very young infants (under 3 months) are more descriptive, and evidence for populations defined by certain comorbidities, such as those with severe underlying hepatic or renal impairment, is limited.

Research on the sustained observation of study outcomes or the long-term patterns of recurrence remains an area where evidence is limited beyond the acute treatment phase. Studies designed to monitor outcomes over many months or years are generally not available.

Key Studies & References

  1. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid entry)
  2. Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium Tablets - FDA Approved Labeling (Reference for indications and populations)
  3. Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium (Co-amoxiclav) - MedlinePlus Drug Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Auglavin (FAQ)


Q: Is Auglavin safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

A: Official product information states that Auglavin is classified as Pregnancy Category B by the FDA. Official guidance indicates that the medicine is typically used during pregnancy only when clearly needed and prescribed by a healthcare provider. Both active components pass into breast milk in small amounts, and the product labeling notes that caution is advised for use by women who are nursing.


Q: Can elderly patients use Auglavin safely?

A: According to official documents, use in older adults is generally permitted. However, official prescribing information notes that its use is conditioned on the monitoring of renal function, as the kidneys eliminate the drug.


Q: How does Auglavin compare to older treatments for the same condition?

A: Regulatory documentation highlights that this combination is specifically designed to overcome bacterial resistance. The clavulanic acid component works to inactivate the beta-lactamase enzymes produced by bacteria, thereby protecting the Amoxicillin component.


Q: What if Auglavin doesn't seem to be working for me?

A: Official information emphasizes that if the symptoms of the infection do not begin to improve within a few days of starting treatment, or if the symptoms worsen, this may indicate that the treatment has not been successful. Official information states that these observations should be discussed with a healthcare provider.


Q: Where can I find the official prescribing information for Auglavin?

A: The detailed, official prescribing information is published by government regulatory authorities. These official documents are made available through resources such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) via DailyMed, and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC).


Q: What should I do if I experience a rash while on Auglavin?

A: Regulatory warnings note various types of rashes, including rare, serious skin reactions. In cases of severe reactions, official documentation advises discontinuing the medication and seeking immediate medical attention. Milder rashes are advised to be reported to a healthcare professional.


Q: Does Auglavin help with all the symptoms of the condition it treats?

A: Auglavin is a bactericidal antibiotic, meaning its purpose is to eliminate the bacteria causing the illness. Eradicating the bacterial cause is generally expected to lead to symptom improvement, but the drug does not directly treat symptoms that are not caused by the bacterial infection.


Q: What is the difference between the main ingredient and the inactive ingredients in Auglavin?

A: The active ingredients, Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid, are the components responsible for treating the bacterial infection. The inactive ingredients, or excipients, are substances listed in the official label that help form and stabilize the tablet or suspension but do not contribute to the antibacterial effect.


Q: Do I need any special tests before starting Auglavin?

A: Regulatory documents advise that monitoring of liver function and assessment of renal function may be necessary, especially for patients who have pre-existing organ impairment. Regulatory guidance advises monitoring liver and renal function, which suggests a need for baseline assessments in some cases.


Q: Is Auglavin considered a high-risk medication?

A: Official labeling does not classify the drug using the term 'high-risk.' However, the product information includes warnings for rare but serious adverse events, such as potentially fatal anaphylaxis and severe hepatic (liver) dysfunction.


Q: Does the efficacy of Auglavin change over time?

A: The drug is specifically formulated to maintain its effectiveness against certain bacteria by preventing resistance during the short course of treatment. Official information does not indicate that the drug's clinical efficacy changes over a standard treatment course.


Q: Does Auglavin need to be taken at the exact same time every day?

A: Official dosing is prescribed at specific time intervals, such as every 8 or 12 hours. Maintaining these regular intervals helps to ensure a consistent concentration of the antibiotic is kept in the body, which is important for treatment effectiveness.


Q: How quickly can I expect Auglavin to start working?

A: The antibiotic begins its action against the bacteria quickly after the first dose. Patient information resources suggest that initial symptom improvement may be observed within two to three days of starting the treatment course.


Q: Is it normal to feel tired after starting Auglavin?

A: Extreme tiredness or unusual weakness (fatigue) is listed in official documentation as a potential symptom associated with certain more serious side effects, such as liver damage. Any persistent or severe fatigue is a finding that should be discussed with a healthcare professional.


Q: Is Auglavin addictive or habit-forming?

A: Auglavin is a penicillin-class antibiotic used only to treat bacterial infections. It is not classified as a controlled substance or narcotic by regulatory bodies and is therefore not considered to be addictive or habit-forming.


Q: Will taking Auglavin affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

A: Official product information indicates that some side effects of this medication, such as dizziness or convulsions (seizures), may have an influence on a patient's ability to drive or operate machinery. The product label includes a general cautionary statement regarding these effects.


Q: Why do some people report feeling dizzy when using Auglavin?

A: Dizziness is listed in the official safety information as a potential adverse effect associated with the use of the medicine. While it can be a minor symptom, it may also be reported as a sign associated with a more serious reaction.


Q: Can Auglavin be crushed or split if I have trouble swallowing pills?

A: According to official dosage information, standard tablets should not be crushed or split unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional. Official information states that, unless otherwise advised by a healthcare professional, standard tablets should generally not be crushed or split. Modified-release or extended-release formulations, in particular, must not be crushed, as this would alter the drug's intended absorption.


Q: Is there a generic version of Auglavin available?

A: Auglavin is a brand name for the generic drug combination Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid. The medicine is widely available from multiple manufacturers under its generic name.


Q: How long does Auglavin stay in your system after you stop taking it?

A: Studies on the drug's elimination (pharmacokinetics) indicate that the active components are cleared relatively quickly. The elimination half-life is approximately 1.3 hours for Amoxicillin and 1 hour for Clavulanic acid.


Q: Can Auglavin interact with alcohol?

A: Regulatory documents typically do not list a direct chemical interaction between Auglavin and alcohol. Medical advice regarding use with alcohol often focuses on the potential for alcohol to worsen common side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.


Q: Why is Auglavin taken for the specific period of time mentioned in the instructions?

A: The specific duration of the treatment course, such as 7 to 10 days, is based on clinical research. This duration is used to help ensure the complete eradication of the infection and is important for minimizing the risk of developing antibiotic resistance.

How should Auglavin be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Auglavin (Co-amoxiclav)

Official regulatory documents define specific conditions for the storage and disposal of Auglavin to maintain its stability and effectiveness.


Storage Requirements

Formulation Temperature Requirement Stability Constraint
Tablets Store below 25 C (Keep in original package to protect from moisture). Use within 30 days of opening specific packaging (e.g., desiccated pouch packs).
Oral Suspension Refrigerate (2 C to 8 C). Do not freeze. Discard any unused product after 7 to 10 days post-reconstitution.

All forms of the medicine must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.


Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Auglavin must be disposed of in accordance with local requirements for pharmaceutical waste. Regulatory guidance mandates that the medicine must not be disposed of via wastewater (sewage or sink) to prevent environmental contamination.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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