Clavicil

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

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 Clavicil

Quick Facts Description
Active Ingredients Amoxicillin and Clavulanic Acid
Form Fixed-combination antibiotic
Pharmacological Class Beta-Lactam/Beta-Lactamase Inhibitor Combinations
General Purpose Treatment of bacterial infections
Origin Semisynthetic

Clavicil is the proprietary name for the antibacterial agent known generically as amoxicillin/clavulanic acid or co-amoxiclav, which is classified as an essential medicine. This prescription-only medication is a fixed-combination antibiotic, belonging to the core pharmacological group of Beta-Lactam/Beta-Lactamase Inhibitor Combinations. The formulation is developed for systemic administration and is available as various oral formulations, such as tablets and oral suspensions, and as sterile parenteral preparations for intravenous administration.

The composition of Clavicil involves two distinct and essential active ingredients: amoxicillin (as the trihydrate salt) and clavulanic acid (as the potassium salt). Amoxicillin is a semisynthetic compound derived from the penicillin nucleus, serving as the primary bactericidal agent. The co-formulated clavulanic acid is a non-antibiotic beta-lactam that functions primarily as a potent beta-lactamase inhibitor. This combination is used for addressing a broad range of community-acquired infections.

The general therapeutic purpose of Clavicil is to ensure the effectiveness of the antibiotic against bacteria that have developed drug resistance mechanisms. The addition of clavulanic acid is functionally critical, as it irreversibly binds to and inactivates the protective beta-lactamase enzymes produced by resistant bacteria. This protective action is necessary to shield the amoxicillin molecule, thereby substantially extending the effective antibacterial spectrum and maintaining the medication's ability to combat infectious processes caused by resistant pathogens.

What side effects are possible with Clavicil?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile for Clavicil (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) is organized according to regulatory classifications that group reactions by frequency and physiological system. Diarrhoea is consistently classified as a Very Common adverse reaction, representing the highest reported incidence. Other Common effects include nausea, vomiting, and mucocutaneous candidosis (yeast infection).

Reactions categorized as Uncommon include headache, dizziness, and transient rises in liver enzymes (AST and/or ALT). Reactions are grouped by System-Organ Class, with effects noted in the Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary, Immune System, and Skin systems.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Clavicil is associated with Serious Adverse Reactions that are generally rare but clinically significant. These include severe, potentially fatal hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., Anaphylaxis) and severe skin reactions known as SCARs (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome). Serious events affecting the Hepatobiliary Disorders system, such as cholestatic jaundice and hepatitis, are also documented.

This medication is contraindicated in individuals with a history of serious hypersensitivity to any penicillin or other beta-lactam drugs. It is also restricted for patients with a documented history of amoxicillin/clavulanate-associated hepatic dysfunction.

Population and Duration Notes

Hepatic events are reported predominantly in elderly patients and may not become apparent until several weeks after cessation of therapy. For patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min), dose adjustment is necessary. For prolonged therapy, regulatory documents advise the periodic assessment of organ system functions, including renal, hepatic, and haematopoietic function.

Overdose and Emergency Response

A Clavicil overdose is primarily associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain, as documented in regulatory labeling. Central Nervous System (CNS) effects are also noted, such as hyperactivity, drowsiness, and the severe manifestation of convulsions (seizures).

Regulatory guidance highlights that convulsions are more likely to occur in patients with impaired renal function or those who have received high doses. Furthermore, a critical, though rare, overdose complication is the occurrence of amoxicillin crystalluria, which can lead to acute renal injury. Maintaining adequate fluid intake and urinary output is advised as a supportive measure to reduce the possibility of this renal complication.

For severe cases of overdose, both amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are documented as being removable from the circulation through haemodialysis. If an overdose is suspected, or if severe signs such as a seizure, extreme drowsiness, or inability to be awakened are observed, regulatory authorities mandate that immediate medical attention must be sought. Management of overdose is described as symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Therapeutic Uses of Clavicil

Clavicil (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) may be part of symptomatic management in clinical settings where infections require targeted intervention. Its therapeutic benefit is derived from its use in certain challenging clinical situations. This makes it generally used across conditions presenting with acute, disruptive episodes in several major bodily systems.

Clavicil is relevant for managing symptoms that appear suddenly or fluctuate, applicable within domains such as respiratory infections (like community-acquired pneumonia and sinusitis), skin and soft tissue infections (like cellulitis and bite wounds), and genitourinary infections (including pyelonephritis). It contributes to easing the overall symptom load and may help improve day-to-day comfort during symptomatic periods.

Supportive Management

“The medication is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, particularly when acute manifestations interfere with daily function.”

Quick Fact: Support for Symptom Clusters
Systemic Symptoms Helps address fever and overall feelings of malaise.
Localized Discomfort Assists in easing pain, swelling, and redness associated with inflammatory or irritative states.
Functional Strain Supports the management of symptoms like persistent cough or painful urination.

Clavicil is applicable in scenarios where additional management of discomfort is required and may help patients cope more steadily with difficult episodes, such as those involving bone or severe dental infections.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH StatPearls overview on Amoxicillin Clavulanate

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Clavicil (amoxicillin and clavulanate) is a combination antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is generally prescribed for use in adults and children over the age of three months who have specific bacterial infections, such as those affecting the ears, sinuses, lungs, skin, and urinary tract. It is important to note that this medication is not effective against infections caused by viruses, such as the common cold or flu.

Who Should Not Use Clavicil?

Clavicil is contraindicated and must not be used by individuals with the following conditions:

  • Known Allergy: Anyone with a history of a severe allergic or hypersensitivity reaction to amoxicillin, clavulanate, or any other penicillin-class antibiotic (including cephalosporins).
  • History of Liver Problems: Patients who have previously developed liver dysfunction or cholestatic jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) associated with taking amoxicillin and clavulanate.
  • Mononucleosis: Individuals with a diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis (mono) should avoid this medication due to a high risk of developing a generalized skin rash.

Use with Caution

Caution and dosage adjustment may be required in patients with pre-existing kidney disease or severe renal impairment as the drug is primarily eliminated by the kidneys. Patients with liver impairment also require close monitoring, and this medication should be discontinued if signs of hepatitis occur. Always inform your healthcare provider of your full medical history and all other medications you are taking.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The official regulatory profile for Clavicil (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) focuses on interactions affecting elimination pathways and coagulation risk, as formally documented in government health authority labeling.

Interacting Substance Officially Documented Interaction Outcome
Probenecid Inhibits renal tubular secretion of the amoxicillin component, increasing its plasma concentration and prolonging blood levels. Co-administration is generally not recommended.
Methotrexate Reduces the clearance of methotrexate by competitive inhibition of renal tubular secretion, which may lead to elevated serum concentrations of methotrexate.
Oral Anticoagulants May potentiate the risk of bleeding by causing abnormal prolongation of prothrombin time (INR), as reported in regulatory documents.
Allopurinol Increases the officially documented incidence of allergic skin rash when co-administered with the amoxicillin component.

The clavulanic acid component's absorption is enhanced when the product is administered at the start of a meal, an effect noted in regulatory prescribing information. The drug may also cause interference with laboratory procedures, specifically resulting in false-positive reactions for non-enzymatic urine glucose tests and the Coombs test. Furthermore, regulatory labels note that exposure-altering interactions, such as those with Methotrexate, are particularly relevant for patients with renal impairment due to their already compromised clearance mechanisms. The interaction structure is defined by pharmacokinetic competition and pharmacodynamic risk.

Mechanism of Action

How Clavicil Works: Mechanism of Action

Clavicil's activity is driven by the synergistic action of its two components against core microbial mechanisms of structural integrity and enzymatic resistance. The overall mechanism involves the direct disruption and structural failure of the target bacteria.


Direct Inhibition of Bacterial Cell Wall Construction

This domain covers Amoxicillin's primary action: the irreversible inactivation of Penicillin-Binding Proteins (PBPs), which are the bacterial enzymes essential for building the cell wall. This crucial enzymatic process is halted at its final stage, causing the loss of cell wall integrity. This mechanism causes osmotic instability, leading to subsequent lysis (bursting) of the susceptible bacterial cells.


Modulating beta-Lactamase-Mediated Resistance

This domain details the chemical interaction where Clavulanic Acid prevents the beta-lactamase-mediated degradation of Amoxicillin. Clavulanic Acid is a suicide inhibitor that binds permanently to and inactivates beta-lactamase enzymes. These enzymes would otherwise chemically hydrolyze Amoxicillin before it could act. By neutralizing this enzyme, Clavulanic Acid protects Amoxicillin from degradation, permitting the cell wall inhibition mechanism to function on bacteria that produce beta-lactamase.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Clavicil: Official Administration Guidelines

Clavicil (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) is used according to specific, standardized guidelines. The method of administration is systemic, allowing for treatment in both outpatient and severe inpatient settings.


Administration Scope

Instruction Official Rule
Route of Administration Approved routes are Oral (e.g., tablets, suspension) and Intravenous (IV).
Dosing Schedule Standard adult doses are prescribed based on the amoxicillin content, typically 500 mg every 8 hours or 875 mg every 12 hours for the common oral formulations.
Timing in Relation to Meals Oral administration must occur at the start of a meal to optimize absorption and minimize gastrointestinal effects.
Preparation Requirements Oral suspension requires reconstitution with water before use. IV powder requires reconstitution and dilution for slow infusion.
Age-Group Administration Rules Dose adjustment is required for adults and pediatric patients ≥ 40 kg with renal impairment (CrCl ≤ 30 mL/min). The 875 mg tablet is generally not used for these patients.
Special Procedural Conditions Treatment courses should generally not exceed 14 days without re-evaluation. IV infusion must occur slowly over 30 to 40 minutes.

Connection to the Overall Use Protocol

These instructions define the framework for administering the medicine by specifying the approved systemic routes (oral/IV) and mandating fixed dosing ranges and frequencies. Procedural requirements, such as the mandatory timing with meals and the population-specific adjustments for renal function, establish the standardized protocol. This structure ensures consistent administration based on standardized guidelines.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Clavicil (Amoxicillin-Clavulanate)

Evidence for use in Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis (ABRS)

Clavicil was studied for its use in the context of acute bacterial sinus infections (ABRS), a condition associated with acute or disruptive episodes. Researchers used short-term randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative studies to examine this. The main outcomes monitored in these trials included assessments of how symptoms changed over the study period, focusing on clinical success rates and the measurements of symptom resolution. The findings describe patterns observed in the studies regarding the measurement of clinical response endpoints within the short observation period. Follow-up durations were limited in many studies, meaning that long-term effects are not fully established.

Evidence for use in Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)

Research has explored the use of Clavicil in the context of lung infections, specifically Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP), a condition studied for its impact on daily functioning or activity level. Investigators monitored measurements like the rate of clinical and microbiological response, the time until fever and symptoms resolved, and measurements related to hospitalization or mortality within 30 days. Studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations. Data for certain groups remain insufficient, such as patients with complex underlying medical conditions, as these groups can be excluded from many of the primary trials.

Evidence for use in Acute Otitis Media (AOM) in Children

Clavicil was evaluated in studies focusing on Acute Otitis Media (AOM), or middle ear infection, in pediatric patients. The research explores short-term changes in symptoms in these young populations, often comparing Clavicil with single-agent antibiotics or observation strategies. Studies reported how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, describing the measurements of cure and failure at specific post-treatment time intervals. Evidence regarding the drug's use in very specific, less-common bacterial causes of AOM is often based on limited clinical experience.

What Is Still Uncertain About Clavicil Research

A key area of uncertainty is the heterogeneity, or variety, in research designs and the patient populations included, which may make it difficult to draw certain conclusions across all studies. The most significant gap is that long-term effects are not fully established for most uses. Furthermore, comparative evidence is lacking for certain resistance patterns or against all possible alternative therapies. The key evidence gaps identified in the research are described, which contributes to the broader evidence landscape, and evidence highlights what is known — and what is still uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Clavicil (FAQ)


Q: Can Clavicil make my birth control less effective?

Official prescribing information for Clavicil, like other broad-spectrum antibiotics, indicates that it may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Patients taking hormonal contraceptives should be aware of this potential interaction. Consultation with a healthcare provider can help determine if additional non-hormonal contraception is appropriate.


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

Official product information advises that use during pregnancy should only occur if clearly necessary. This is because there are limited controlled data in human pregnancy, and safety in animal studies does not always reflect the human response. Regarding breastfeeding, both active components of the medication are known to pass into breast milk, and the manufacturer recommends that caution be exercised during this period.


Q: What happens if I accidentally take a double dose of Clavicil?

Accidental overdosage may lead to acute symptoms, primarily affecting the stomach and intestines. Official information indicates that this can cause gastrointestinal upset (such as stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea). In rare instances, severe overdose has been associated with urinary problems, including changes in urine output or cloudiness. If an overdose is suspected, contacting a Poison Control Center or seeking emergency medical care is the appropriate action.


Q: Can I crush the tablet if I have trouble swallowing pills?

The manufacturer's instructions for using the medication generally state that standard tablets are intended to be swallowed whole. Some product forms can be dispersed in a small amount of water or crushed for immediate administration. However, regulatory instructions caution that certain specific forms, such as extended-release tablets, should not be crushed or chewed, as this can affect the intended release of the medication.

How should Clavicil be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium

The storage requirements for amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium are defined by regulatory documents to protect the product's stability. All forms must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Storage Conditions

  • Tablets and Dry Powder: These solid forms must be stored at a controlled room temperature (68 F to 77 F or 20 C to 25 C) in the original, tightly closed container and protected from excess heat and moisture.
  • Reconstituted Suspension: Once mixed, the liquid suspension must be stored in a refrigerator and discarded after 10 days.

Disposal

Expired or unused product should be returned via a drug take-back program. If no program is available, the medication may be discarded in the household trash after mixing it with an unpalatable substance like dirt or coffee grounds. This medication is not recommended for disposal by flushing.

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

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