drug-medicine : augmentin dispersible tablets

Information for patients and carers

Your Augmentin comes in round white tablets.

The active ingredient in this medicine is amoxicillin. This is the new name for amoxycillin. The ingredient itself has not changed.

Augmentin Dispersible Tablets come in packs of 21.

Augmentin can treat a wide range of bacterial infections including those of the chest (bronchitis or pneumonia), tonsils (tonsillitis), sinuses (sinusitis), ears, skin (including animal bites), the bladder or urethra (the tube which carries urine from the bladder), kidneys, abdomen and teeth and gums (abscesses).

BEFORE TAKING YOUR MEDICINE

Let your doctor know if any of the following apply to you:

You have ever had a skin rash or swelling of the face or neck when taking any antibiotic.
You know you are allergic to penicillin (or any other antibiotic).
You have ever had a serious complaint – such as liver problems – when taking an antibiotic.
You are taking a contraceptive pill (in which case you will need to take extra contraceptive precautions such as using a condom).
You are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
You are being treated for kidney or liver problems.
You have glandular fever.
You are taking any medicine (such as warfarin) to prevent blood clots.
You are taking allopurinol for conditions such as gout which can be caused by uric acid build-up.
You are under 12 years of age (or the patient is under 12 years of age).

If any of the above do apply to you, your doctor may decide you need a different medicine instead of Augmentin or a different dose of Augmentin.

HOW TO TAKE AUGMENTIN

These tablets are usually prescribed for adults and children over 12 years of age.

Your doctor will tell you how many tablets you should take. Usually you have to take one tablet three times a day. Your doctor’s instructions are on the label of the tablets’ container, so read it carefully. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Each Augmentin Dispersible Tablet should be stirred into a little water before being swallowed.

For the best results, take Augmentin just before meals.

Try to take your tablets so that it becomes part of your daily routine, for example at mealtimes.

But remember, whenever you take your tablets, space the doses as evenly as possible through the day.

Try not to take more than one dose every four hours and never take two doses within one hour or so.

Keep on taking the tablets, even if you feel better.

You need every tablet to help you fight off the infection. If you stop taking your tablets before the end of the course, some bacteria may survive and cause the infection to come back.

If you still feel unwell after finishing the treatment, go and see your doctor.

You should not use this product beyond two weeks without seeing your doctor again first.

Never take more than the recommended dose each day.

What if I forget to take a dose?

If you forget to take a tablet, take it as soon as you remember. Then carry on as before. Try to wait about four hours before taking the next dose. Do not take two doses within one hour or so.

What if I take too much?

If you have taken too many tablets all at once, contact your doctor or local hospital casualty department at once. Show the doctor your pack of tablets.

INFORMATION ON POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

A few people may find this medicine upsets their stomach or gives them diarrhoea. The symptoms are usually mild and you may prevent them by taking the tablets just before meals.

Some people get a rash when they take antibiotics. If you start to itch or get a rash, stop taking Augmentin and tell your doctor at once. Other side effects include a swollen face and breathing problems. But these are extremely rare. However, they may be signs of a more serious allergic reaction which could require emergency treatment. So if you notice these symptoms stop taking the tablets and seek medical advice straight away.

Some people may get thrush (a yeast infection of the vagina, mouth or skin folds) after or during treatment. You can get treatment for thrush from your doctor or pharmacist.

Rarely, some people may get slight yellow/brown staining of the teeth. Such staining usually disappears shortly after treatment if teeth are brushed regularly.

Inflammation of the kidney can also occur rarely.

Very rarely, some people experience hyperactivity, dizziness, headache and convulsions. These symptoms are reversible.

Very rarely, this medicine may form crystals in the urine (usually only visible under a microscope) which may be characterised by cloudy urine or by difficulty/discomfort in passing urine. You should drink plenty of fluids (such as water and non-alcoholic and non-caffeine containing drinks) to reduce the chance of these symptoms.

As with most medicines, Augmentin can sometimes cause rare and serious reactions. See your doctor straight away if you:

get severe diarrhoea with bleeding;
notice your urine becoming darker or your faeces (otherwise known as poo) becoming paler;

or

notice your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellow.

Some of these reactions can be delayed for several weeks after finishing the treatment.

If you are having blood tests, tell your doctor you are taking Augmentin. This is because Augmentin sometimes causes short-term changes in blood cell counts.

If you get any other problems whilst taking this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

STORING AUGMENTIN

Don’t take your tablets if the expiry date printed on the pack has passed.
Keep the tablets in their packet and store them in a dry place. Keep all medicines well out of the reach of children – it’s best to lock them in a cupboard or medicine cabinet.

If your doctor asks you to stop taking this medicine, or if for any other reason you have some tablets left over, please return them to the pharmacist.

Remember, this medicine is just for you. Do not give it to anyone else. It may not be suitable for them, even if their symptoms seem to be the same as yours.

Medicine: augmentin dispersible tablets