Augmentin active ingredients how they affect bacteria
Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid the main active ingredients of Augmentin tablets, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, together are known as co-amoxiclav. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic and is a part of this medicine, and clavulanic acid – medicine that prevents bacteria from inactivating the amoxicillin. Together they form Augmentin. Augmentin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria gram- positive and gram-negative
Amoxicillin in Augmentin works by interfering in the ability of bacteria to form cell walls that are vital and necessary for their survival. They stop the contents of their cells from leaking out and keep unwanted substances from entering in cells . Amoxicillin impairs the bonds that hold the bacterial cell wall together. Bacteria die because of cell walls holes appearance. Because they have developed the ability to produce defensive beta-lactamases certain bacteria are resistant to Amoxicillin (penicillin-type antibiotics), beta-lactamases interfere with the structure of penicillin-type antibiotics and stop them from working. But the deference of Augmentin from simple amoxicillin drug are in the existence of Clavulanic acid. Clavulanic acid is a medicine known as a beta-lactamase inhibitor. It is included in Augmentin because it inhibits the action of the beta-lactamases produced by certain bacteria. It prevents these bacteria from inactivating the amoxicillin, and leaves the bacteria susceptible to attack. Clavulanic acid therefore increases the range of bacteria that amoxicillin can kill.
Augmentin is used to treat: Infections of the lower respiratory tract (bronchitis), Infections of the upper respiratory tract (otitis media, sinusites), Infections of the skin and soft tissues, Infections of the genito-urinary tract, Bacterial infections of the genital organs, including those following abortion or childbirth, Dental abscesses.
The adverse reactions of AUGMENTIN may occur, they are :Gastrointestinal reactions: gastritis, stomatitis, glossitis. Hepatic effects, Hypersensitivity reactions like Skin rashes, anaphylaxis. Superficial tooth discolouration has been reported rarely. Central Nervous System effects. It usually can be removed by brushing.
The dose of Augmentin can variate of 250 mg to 500 mg and more, 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 substitute
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