What is amoxicillin/clavulanate used for? 

Amoxicillin/clavulanate is an antibiotic that can typically be used for:

• Ear infection (after failure of other antibiotic therapy)

• Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis (Group A Strep)

• Pneumonia (due to high risk of resistant strains of bacteria)

• Urinary tract infection 

• Sinus infection (due to high risk of resistant strains of bacteria)

• Impetigo 

Generally, amoxicillin/clavulanate is a more powerful and broad antibiotic than amoxicillin. It is typically used if the infection has a high risk of being resistant to amoxicillin. 

What are the most common side effects seen with amoxicillin/clavulanate? 

• Diarrhea (higher incidence than amoxicillin)

• Nausea 

• Vomiting 

Contraindications

Amoxicillin/clavulanate shouldn’t be taken if your child has had an anaphylactic reaction (hives or swelling of the tongue) to amoxicillin (or amoxicillin/clavulanate). If your child has had an anaphylactic reaction to penicillins please discuss this with your provider. 

Tips & Tricks to administer amoxicillin/clavulanate 

If your child is having difficulty taking amoxicillin/clavulanate (liquid or tablets), it can be mixed in some foods or beverages. Please keep in mind that if a medication is mixed with food or drink, it should be taken immediately. The mixture should not be saved or consumed later.

Amoxicillin/clavulanate can be mixed with any food or beverage of the child’s preference, but should be taken at the beginning of the meal to help reduce GI upset. 

How to store amoxicillin/clavulanate 

• Amoxicillin/clavulanate tablets should be stored at room temperature.

• Amoxicillin/clavulanate liquid should be stored in the refrigerator. 

Breast feeding considerations 

• Amoxicillin/clavulanate can be present in breast milk (at low concentrations) if being taken by the mother. 

• Amoxicillin is generally considered as compatible with breastfeeding. 

• In some cases, the nursing infant can experience constipation, diarrhea, restlessness, and rash from the amoxicillin/clavulanate in the breast milk. 

The information in this database regarding prescription drugs is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interaction or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. See disclaimer.