Augmentin is an antibiotic and contains amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. It is widely used to fight against bacteria and infection in humans and animals. Amoxicillin fights against bacteria, which multiplies and prevents bacteria from forming walls. These walls are necessary to protect bacteria from their environment and keep the contents of the bacterial cell together. If there is no cell wall, bacteria cannot survive. However, for its effective result, one needs to be very accurate about the diet and other intakes. Alcohol is one beverage that needs to be avoided. Consuming alcohol while under the medication can clash negatively, inviting health issues. Augmentin and alcohol shouldn’t be mixed together and are strictly advised by doctors.
Uses of Augmentin
One of the significant use of Augmentin is to fight against bacteria causing- infections of the middle ear (otitis media), tonsillitis, throat infections (pharyngitis), laryngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia. Doctors usually recommend this antibiotic when there are any symptoms of the mentioned problems.
Side effects of Augmentin
Consume Augmentin dosage correctly as per the advice from the doctor. Some of the side effects of Augmentin are-
- Abdominal discomfort,
- Bloating,
- Diarrhea,
- Gas,
- Headache,
- Heartburn,
Apart from these, there are other severe but rare reactions from Augmentin, including seizures and low platelet. Furthermore, it can bring a massive change in the normal bacteria and encourage the overgrowth of some bacteria like Clostridium difficile, which causes inflammation.
Augmentin and Alcohol - The Clash
An antibiotic like Augmentin, if taken while consuming alcohol, is a wrong combination. Augmentin and alcohol can bring some of the side effects. One can experience are stomach upset, dizziness, and drowsiness. Drinking any amount of alcohol with this antibiotic can result in side effects like flushing, headache, nausea and vomiting, and rapid heart rate.
If you are fighting against some disease or health issues and in the medical course, then you need to bring some health in alcohol consumption.
It is vital to consult with the doctor before you start taking this medication. In case there is any adverse reaction in your body after mixing them both, do consult your doctor for better medicine.
Dosage for Augmentin
One of the critical things you must keep in mind before consuming this medication is to keep your stomach full. Consuming in an empty stomach can upset.
- Recommended adult doses are 500 mg every 8-12 hours, 250 mg every 8 hours, 875 mg every 12 hours, or 2000 mg every 12 hours.
- Dosing is based on the amoxicillin component.
- Pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg should receive 20 to 45 mg/kg every 8 or 12 hours.
Summary
Augmentin, when consumed in the right way, can affect positively into your body. However, avoiding alcohol is vital to bring out the best result. The antibiotic is the best treatment for middle ear infections, sore throat, sinus infection, bronchitis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. Do a proper consultation from the doctor to avoid any negative results in the body.