Co-amoxiclav is indicated for short-term treatment of bacterial infections at the following sites:
Upper respiratory tract infections (including ENT) e.g.tonsillitis,sinusitis,otitis media.
Lower respiratory tract infections e.g.acute and chronic bronchitis, lobar and bronchopneumonia. ... Read moreCo-amoxiclav is indicated for short-term treatment of bacterial infections at the following sites:
Upper respiratory tract infections (including ENT) e.g.tonsillitis,sinusitis,otitis media.
Lower respiratory tract infections e.g.acute and chronic bronchitis, lobar and bronchopneumonia.
Genito-urinary tract infections e.g.cystitis,urethritis,pyelonephritis.
Skin and soft tissue infections.
Bone and joint infections e.g.osteomyelitis.
Other infections e.g.septic abortion,puerperal sepsis,intra-abdominal sepsis etc.
Broad spectrum penicillins
Amoxycillin & Clavulanic Acidis an antibacterial combination consisting of the antibiotic Amoxicillin and the beta-lactamase inhibitor Clavulanic Acid. Amoxicillin has a broad spectrum of bactericidal activity against many Gram-positive & Gram-negative microorganisms but it is susceptible to degradation by beta-lactamases and therefore the spectrum of activity does not include microorganisms, which produce these enzymes. Clavulanic acid possesses the ability to inactivate a wide range of beta-lactamase enzymes commonly found in microorganisms resistant to penicillins and cephalosporins. Thus Clavulanic acid in combination of Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid protects Amoxicillin from degradation by beta-lactamase enzymes and effectively extends the antibiotic spectrum to embrace a wide range of microorganisms.
Oral:
Adults and children over 12 years: One 375 mg tablet 3 times a day. In severe infection one 625 mg tablet 3 times a day or one 1 gm tablet two times a day.
Children of 6-12 years: 2 teaspoonful Powder for Suspension every 8 hours.
Children of 1 -6 years: 1 teaspoonful Powder for Suspension every 8 hours.
Children below 1 year: 25 mg/kg/day in divided doses every 8 hours.
IV Injection:
Adults and children over 12 years: 1.2 g every 6-8 hours
Children up to 3 months: 30 mg/kg every 8 hours (every 12 hours in the perinatal period and in premature infants)
Child 3 months to 12 years: 30 mg/kg every 6-8 hours.
Prolongation of bleeding time and prothrombin time have been reported in some patients receiving Co-amoxiclav. In common with other broad-spectrum antibiotics, Co-amoxiclav may reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives and patients should be warned accordingly. Concomitant use of allopurinol during treatment with amoxicillin can increase the likelihood of allergic skin reactions. There are no data on the concomitant use of Co-amoxiclav and allopurinol.
History of Penicillin hypersensitivity. Attention should be paid to possible cross-sensitivity with other beta-lactam antibiotics e.g. cephalosporins. Also contraindicated for patients with a previous history of Co-amoxiclav or Penicillin-associated cholestatic jaundice.
Side effects, as with Amoxicillin, are uncommon and mainly of a mild and transitory nature. Diarrhoea, pseudomembranous colitis, indigestion, nausea, vomiting and candidiasis have been reported, if gastrointestinal side effects occur with oral therapy, that may be reduced by taking Co-amoxiclav at the start of meals. Hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported rarely but are usually reversible. Urticarial and erythematous rashes sometimes occur. Rarely erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and exfoliative dermatitis have been reported. In common with other beta-lactam antibiotics, angioedema and anaphylaxis have been reported.
Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid has been used orally in human pregnancy in a limited number of cases with no untoward effect; however use of Amoxycillin & Clavulanic Acid in pregnancy is not recommended unless considered essential by the physician. During lactation, trace quantities of Amoxicillin can be detected in breast milk.
Co-amoxiclav should be used with care in patients on anticoagulation therapy or with severe hepatic dysfunction. In patients with moderate or severe renal impairment, dosage should be adjusted. During the administration of a high dose of Co-amoxiclav adequate fluid intake and urinary output should be maintained to minimize the possibility of crystalluria.
Problems of overdose with Co-amoxiclav are unlikely to occur, if encountered gastrointestinal symptoms and disturbance of the fluid and electrolyte balances may be evident. Co-amoxiclav may be removed from the circulation by haemodialysis.
This should be stored below 25°C, protected from light and moisture. Once reconstituted suspension should be kept in the refrigerator (but not frozen) and should be usedby 7 days. Once reconstituted vial must be used within 20 minutes.
Broad spectrum penicillins
Pharmacodynamic properties: Co-amoxiclav is an antibacterial combination consisting of the antibiotic Amoxicillin and the (3-lactamase inhibitor Clavulanic Acid. Amoxicillin has a broad spectrum of bactericidal activity against many Gram-positive & Gram-negative microorganisms but it is susceptible to degradation by (3-lactamases and therefore the spectrum of activity does not include microorganisms, which produce these enzymes. Clavulanic acid possesses the ability to inactivate a wide range of beta-lactamase enzymes commonly found in microorganisms resistant to penicillins and cephalosporins. Thus Clavulanic acid in this preparation protects Amoxicillin from degradation by (3-lactamase enzymes and effectively extends the antibiotic spectrum to embrace a wide range of microorganisms.Pharmacokinetic properties: The pharmacokinetics of the two components of Co-amoxiclav is closely matched. Peak serum levels of both occur about one hour after oral administration. Absorption of Co-amoxiclav is optimized at the start of a meal. Both clavulanate and Amoxicillin have low levels of serum binding; about 70% remains free in the serum. Doubling the dosage of Co-amoxiclav approximately doubles the serum levels achieved.
Animal studies with orally and parenterally administered Co-amoxiclav have shown no teratogenic effect. The drug has been used orally in human pregnancy in a limited number of cases with no untoward effect; however, the use of Co-amoxiclav in pregnancy is not recommended unless considered essential by the physician. During lactation, trace quantities of Amoxicillin can be detected in breast milk.
