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"Very fast and convenient. I first messaged Chris at 10:08am and I was picking up my prescriptions from the pharmacy at 10:52am same day! Cannot recommend enough!!!!"
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Medication Guide — Patient Education
Augmentin
Generic: Amoxicillin-Clavulanate
A stronger antibiotic for resistant infections — everything you need to know about how to take it, what to expect, and when to call us.
Penicillin + Beta-lactamase InhibitorOral medicationPrescription only
Reviewed by Chris Woods, MSN, APRN, FNP-C — Board-certified nurse practitioner. Licensed in AZ, CO, GA, ID, IA, MT, NV, NM, NC, OR, UT. This guide reflects current clinical evidence and best practices as of 2026.
What is Augmentin?
Augmentin is amoxicillin with a bodyguard. The base antibiotic (amoxicillin) kills bacteria by breaking down their cell walls. The added component (clavulanic acid) protects the antibiotic from bacteria that have learned to fight back. Some bacteria produce enzymes that destroy amoxicillin. Augmentin's extra ingredient stops those enzymes, so the antibiotic can do its job.
Your provider prescribed Augmentin instead of plain amoxicillin for a reason: your specific infection likely involves bacteria that need this extra firepower. It's one of the most commonly prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics, and it's highly effective against resistant strains that plain amoxicillin can't touch. It's been used safely for decades.
The trade-off is that Augmentin tends to cause more stomach upset and diarrhea than plain amoxicillin — but that's manageable, especially if you take it with food. Your provider chose this because they believe the benefits outweigh the risks for your infection.
Conditions This Treats
Augmentin is prescribed when bacteria are resistant to plain amoxicillin, or when you need broader coverage. Common uses include:
Taking Augmentin correctly is crucial for it to work well and to minimize side effects. Here's what you need to know:
Detail
Instructions
Typical dose
500mg/125mg or 875mg/125mg per dose
How often
Every 8 hours (500mg) or every 12 hours (875mg)
For how long
7-10 days (your provider will specify based on your infection)
With food?
Strongly recommended — food significantly reduces stomach upset and diarrhea
Best time to take it
With meals, spaced evenly throughout the day. Take at the start of a meal for best absorption.
Liquid form
Shake well before each dose. Use a measuring syringe. Refrigerate. Discard after 10 days.
Take this with food. Seriously. Augmentin with food is much better tolerated than on an empty stomach. The clavulanic acid can irritate your stomach, but food buffers that significantly. Finish your full course — even if you feel better after a few days, stopping early can let the infection return stronger and more resistant.
Side Effects
Augmentin causes more GI side effects than plain amoxicillin — that's normal and usually temporary. But you should know what to watch for:
Common (usually mild)
Diarrhea (more common than with plain amoxicillin)
Nausea or stomach upset
Abdominal cramping
Headache
Mild skin rash
These usually appear in the first few days and often improve as your body adjusts. Taking it with a substantial meal helps significantly. Stay hydrated. If diarrhea gets severe, contact us before stopping the medication.
Serious (seek help)
Severe or bloody diarrhea — possible C. difficile infection
Severe allergic reaction (hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing)
Yellowing of skin or eyes — possible liver problems
Unusual bruising or bleeding
Severe rash with blistering or peeling
Severe abdominal pain
Stop taking Augmentin immediately and contact us or seek emergency care if you experience any of these. Do not wait them out.
Stop Augmentin & Seek Emergency Care If:
Difficulty breathing or throat swelling — even if just a little
Severe skin reaction — blistering, peeling, or rapid spread of rash
Severe bloody diarrhea with abdominal pain — stop immediately
Dark urine or yellowing of skin/eyes — could indicate liver injury
If in doubt, text us or call 911. Don't wait it out. We're available for questions anytime.
Important Warnings & Interactions
Let your provider know about these situations before starting Augmentin:
Penicillin Allergies
Augmentin contains penicillin. If you have a documented serious penicillin allergy (anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome), you should not take Augmentin. Tell us specifically what happened. Mild reactions sometimes can be managed carefully, but true allergies are a no-go.
Liver Function
Augmentin can rarely cause liver injury (cholestatic jaundice). This is more common in older patients and in those taking it for long periods. Report yellowing of skin or eyes immediately. If you have a history of liver disease, tell us before starting.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Augmentin is generally considered safe during pregnancy (Category B). It's also safe while breastfeeding — only tiny amounts pass into breast milk. Always tell us you're pregnant or breastfeeding before starting any medication.
Birth Control
Some antibiotics reduce how well birth control works. The effect of Augmentin is minimal, but to be safe, use a backup contraception method (condoms) while taking it and for 7 days after you finish. Better safe than sorry.
Drug Interactions
Mention to your provider if you take: warfarin (blood thinner), methotrexate, probenecid, or other antibiotics. Augmentin can interact with these. Most interactions are manageable, but we want to know.
Storage & What to Do If You Miss a Dose
Storage
Store tablets at room temperature, away from moisture
Keep in original container if possible
Liquid form: refrigerate, shake well before each dose
Discard liquid after 10 days of opening
Keep away from children and pets
Missed Dose
Take it as soon as you remember
Unless it's close to your next dose — then skip the missed one
Never double up to make up for a missed dose
Set a phone alarm to help you remember
Text us if you're having trouble remembering
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the questions we hear most often from patients about Augmentin:
Augmentin is amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid, which protects the antibiotic from bacteria that can destroy it. Think of it as amoxicillin with a bodyguard. Your provider prescribes whichever one is right for your specific infection. Augmentin is stronger but causes more diarrhea. If we prescribe amoxicillin, we're confident it will work. If we prescribe Augmentin, your bacteria probably need that extra firepower.
The clavulanic acid component can irritate your stomach and cause diarrhea and nausea. This is a known side effect that appears in 10-30% of people taking it. The good news: it's usually mild and temporary, and taking it with food reduces this significantly. If diarrhea becomes severe or bloody, contact us immediately — that could be a C. difficile infection, which needs different treatment.
Technically yes, but it's strongly recommended to take it with food. Taking Augmentin with meals — especially fatty meals — significantly reduces stomach upset and diarrhea. It also actually improves absorption. So don't skip food thinking you'll get better results. You'll just feel worse.
Most people start feeling better within 24-48 hours. Pain usually improves faster than other symptoms. But don't stop taking it just because you feel better. Finish your full course (usually 7-10 days) to ensure the infection is completely gone. Stopping early can let resistant bacteria come back stronger and harder to treat.
There's no direct chemical interaction between alcohol and Augmentin. But alcohol can worsen nausea and stomach upset — both common with Augmentin. It also slows your recovery. Best move: skip alcohol while you're on the medication so your body can focus on healing. If you do drink, keep it minimal and watch how you feel.
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