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Dr. Banita Sehgal
Internal Medicine Physician
My approach to healthcare is rooted in building genuine partnerships with my patients.
Taking the time to understand their needs and goals helps us collaborate effectively and find the best path forward together. What I love most about my work is being someone they can count on — familiar, accessible, and focused on their well-being.
Augmentin FAQs
Augmentin is an antibiotic medication used to treat various bacterial infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Some of the common infections treated with Augmentin include:
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Sinus infections: Augmentin can be prescribed for acute bacterial sinusitis, which is an infection and inflammation of the sinuses.
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Ear infections: It is used to treat middle ear infections (otitis media) caused by bacteria.
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Respiratory tract infections: Augmentin can be effective against bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
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Skin infections: It is used to treat bacterial skin infections, including cellulitis and impetigo.
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Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Augmentin may be prescribed for uncomplicated UTIs caused by susceptible bacteria.
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Dental infections: It can also be used to treat dental infections, such as dental abscesses.
It's generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Augmentin. Alcohol can interact with antibiotics, and may increase the risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
Drinking alcohol while on Augmentin may:
- Increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Worsen liver function, as both alcohol and Augmentin can affect liver enzymes.
- Enhance drowsiness or dizziness, potentially impairing coordination and judgment.
If you choose to drink alcohol while taking Augmentin, it's essential to do so in moderation and observe how your body reacts. Some people may tolerate alcohol in small amounts without experiencing significant adverse effects, while others may be more sensitive to the interaction between alcohol and Augmentin.
Augmentin can be taken with or without food. However, to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal upset, it's often recommended to take Augmentin at the start of a meal or with a snack.
The timing of Augmentin administration throughout the day can vary based on your healthcare provider's instructions, the dosage prescribed, and the type of infection being treated. Generally, Augmentin is taken every eight or 12 hours, depending on the formulation and severity of the infection.
For example:
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If you are prescribed Augmentin to be taken twice daily, it's typically taken every 12 hours. You could take it at breakfast and dinner or with meals approximately 12 hours apart.
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If you are prescribed Augmentin to be taken three times daily, it's typically taken every eight hours. You could take it at breakfast, lunch, and dinner or with meals approximately eight hours apart.
Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) typically starts working within a few hours to a couple of days after starting treatment.
However, the exact time it takes for Augmentin to take effect can vary depending on several factors, including the type and severity of the infection being treated, the individual's overall health, and the specific strain of bacteria causing the infection.
For many bacterial infections, such as sinus infections or skin infections, people often notice improvement in their symptoms within a few days of starting Augmentin. However, it's important to continue taking the medication for the full course of treatment, even if you start feeling better before finishing the prescribed duration.
Skipping doses or stopping the medication early may allow the bacteria to survive and lead to the infection returning or becoming more difficult to treat in the future.
Augmentin can interact with various medications, affecting its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
Some medications that may interact with Augmentin include:
- Antacids
- Probenecid
- Oral contraceptives
- Other antibiotics
- Blood thinners
- Diuretics
The most common side effects of Augmentin included:
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Yeast infections
- Skin rash
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Changes in taste
If you experience any severe or persistent side effects while taking Augmentin, it's essential to contact your healthcare provider immediately. They can evaluate your symptoms, determine the cause of the side effects, and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
LifeMD offers patients access to licensed healthcare providers who can offer guidance on healthcare concerns. Through our virtual platform, you can schedule same-day appointments and meet with a medical professional from the comfort of your home.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe you a medication if appropriate, and order it to your local pharmacy for your convenience. Skip the waiting room with LifeMD, make an appointment today to get started.