Amoxicillin-Clavulanate for Sinus Infections Online

The combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria, including infections of the ears, lungs, sinus, skin and urinary tract. Amoxicillin is in a class of medications called penicillin-like antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Clavulanic acid is in a class of medications called beta-lactamase inhibitors. It works by preventing bacteria from destroying amoxicillin.

Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resist antibiotic treatment.

The combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid comes as a tablet, a chewable tablet, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. The tablets, chewable tablets and suspension are usually taken at the start of a meal every eight hours (three times a day) or every 12 hours (twice a day). The extended-release tablets are usually taken with a meal or snack every 12 hours (twice a day). To help you remember to take amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, take it around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take amoxicillin and clavulanic acid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it, or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the extended-release tablets whole; do not chew or crush them.

The 250 mg and 500 mg tablets of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid contain the same amount of clavulanic acid. Do not substitute two 250 mg tablets for one 500 mg tablet. The 250 mg regular tablet and the 250 mg chewable tablet contain different amounts of clavulanic acid. They also should not be substituted.

Take amoxicillin and clavulanic acid until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better.

It can take up to 48 hours for symptoms to improve after taking amoxicillin-clavulanate. However, to ensure a successful treatment, you should take all the prescribed tablets, even if you are feeling better.¹

Common dosages prescribed are 500 mg for amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanate. A common higher dose is 875 mg of amoxicillin and 125 mg of clavulanate.

You need a prescription to buy amoxicillin-clavulanate. It is not available over the counter.²

One course of treatment of amoxicillin-clavulanate starts as low as $20 with RedBox Rx. No insurance required. Start an online consultation to see if amoxicillin-clavulanate is right for you.

Before taking amoxicillin and clavulanic acid:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox, Wymox), clavulanic acid, penicillin, cephalosporins, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in amoxicillin and clavulanic acid preparations. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention either of the following: allopurinol (Aloprim, Lopurin, Zyloprim), probenecid (Probalan) or warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, allergies, asthma, hay fever, hives or mononucleosis.

• You should know that amoxicillin and clavulanic acid may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Plan to use another form of birth control while taking amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, call your doctor.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Diarrhea.

• Upset stomach.

• Vomiting.

• Mild skin rash.

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• Severe skin rash.

• Itching.

• Hives.

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

• Wheezing.

• Vaginal itching and discharge.

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Do not remove tablets from the blister pack until just before use. Store the medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community.

In case of overdose, call the Poison Control Center helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help.

If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your blood pressure should be checked regularly.

You should keep a headache diary by writing down when you have sinus headaches and when you take amoxicillin and clavulanate/clavulanic acid.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all prescription and nonprescription (over the counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names for amoxicillin and clavulanate include:

• Amoclav^®

• Augmentin^®

• Augmentin^® XR

• Clavamox^®

RedBox Rx offers a variety of medication treatments for sinus headaches and sinus infections including:

• Amoxicillin (Generic Amoxil®)

• Cefpodoxime (Generic Vantin®)

• Doxycycline (Generic Vibramycin®)

• Dexamethasone (Generic Decadron®)

• Fluticasone Nasal Spray (Generic Flonase®)

• Guaifenesin (Generic Mucinex®)

• Oxymetazoline (Generic Afrin®)

• Levocetirizine (Generic Xyzal®)

• Levofloxacin (Generic Levaquin®)

• Saline spray for the nose

1. Drugs.com

2. Mayo Clinic

National Library of Medicine