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Pharmacodynamic properties: Co-amoxiclav is an antibacterial combination consisting of the antibiotic Amoxicillin and the (3-lactamase inhibitor Clavulanic Acid. Amoxicillin has a broad spectrum of bactericidal activity against many Gram-positive & Gram-negative microorganisms but it is susceptible to degradation by (3-lactamases and therefore the spectrum of activity does not include microorganisms, which produce these enzymes. Clavulanic acid possesses the ability to inactivate a wide range of beta-lactamase enzymes commonly found in microorganisms resistant to penicillins and cephalosporins. Thus Clavulanic acid in this preparation protects Amoxicillin from degradation by (3-lactamase enzymes and effectively extends the antibiotic spectrum to embrace a wide range of microorganisms.
Pharmacokinetic properties: The pharmacokinetics of the two components of Co-amoxiclav is closely matched. Peak serum levels of both occur about one hour after oral administration. Absorption of Co-amoxiclav is optimized at the start of a meal. Both clavulanate and Amoxicillin have low levels of serum binding; about 70% remains free in the serum. Doubling the dosage of Co-amoxiclav approximately doubles the serum levels achieved.
375 mg tablet: Each film coated tablet contains Amoxicillin 250 mg as Amoxicillin Trihydrate BP and Clavulanic Acid 125 mg as Diluted Potassium Clavulanate BP.
625 mg tablet: Each film coated tablet contains Amoxicillin 500 mg as Amoxicillin Trihydrate BP and Clavulanic Acid 125 mg as Diluted Potassium Clavulanate BP.
1 gm tablet: Each film coated tablet contains Amoxicillin 875 mg as Amoxicillin Trihydrate BP and Clavulanic Acid 125 mg Diluted Potassium Clavulanate BP.
Powder for Suspension: Each 5 ml reconstituted suspension contains Amoxicillin 125 mg as Amoxicillin Trihydrate BP and Clavulanic Acid 31.25 mg as Diluted Potassium Clavulanate BP.
Powder for Suspension (Forte): Each 5 ml reconstituted suspension contains Amoxicillin 400 mg as Amoxicillin Trihydrate BP and Clavulanic Acid 57.5 mg as Diluted Potassium Clavulanate BP.
1.2 gm Injection: Each vial contains sterile mixture of Amoxicillin Sodium BP (equivalent to Amoxicillin 1 gm) and Clavulanate Potassium USP (equivalent to Clavulanic Acid 200 mg).
0.6 gm injection: Each vial contains sterile mixture of Amoxicillin Sodium BP (equivalent to Amoxicillin 500) and Clavulanate Potassium USP (equivalent to Clavulanic Acid 100 mg).
Co-amoxiclav is indicated for short-term treatment of bacterial infections at the following sites:
Adults and children over 12 years:
Tablet:
Suspension:
Forte suspension:
Children of 2 to 12 years:
Mild to moderate infections:
Serious infections:
IV Injection
Adults-
Children-
Oral dosage form: This may be taken without regard to meals; however, absorption of clavulanate potassium is enhanced when Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid are administered at the start of a meal. To minimize the potential for gastrointestinal intolerance, Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid should be taken at the start of the meal.
IV injection is not suitable for intramuscular or subcutaneous administration. The reconstituted vial can be administered intravenously by injection (over 2 minutes) or slow intravenous infusion (30 minutes). The contents of the content of the vial must be used within 20 minutes and thereafter any unused material should be discarded.
History of Penicillin hypersensitivity. Attention should be paid to possible cross-sensitivity with other beta-lactam antibiotics e.g. cephalosporins. Also contraindicated for patients with a previous history of Co-amoxiclav or Penicillin-associated cholestatic jaundice.
Side effects, as with Amoxicillin, are uncommon and mainly of a mild and transitory nature. Diarrhoea, pseudomembranous colitis, indigestion, nausea, vomiting and candidiasis have been reported, if gastrointestinal side effects occur with oral therapy, that may be reduced by taking Co-amoxiclav at the start of meals. Hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice have been reported rarely but are usually reversible. Urticarial and erythematous rashes sometimes occur. Rarely erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and exfoliative dermatitis have been reported. In common with other beta-lactam antibiotics, angioedema and anaphylaxis have been reported.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Animal studies with orally and parenterally administered Co-amoxiclav have shown no teratogenic effect. The drug has been used orally in human pregnancy in a limited number of cases with no untoward effect; however, the use of Co-amoxiclav in pregnancy is not recommended unless considered essential by the physician. During lactation, trace quantities of Amoxicillin can be detected in breast milk.
Precautions & Warnings
Co-amoxiclav should be used with care in patients on anticoagulation therapy or with severe hepatic dysfunction. In patients with moderate or severe renal impairment, dosage should be adjusted. During the administration of a high dose of Co-amoxiclav adequate fluid intake and urinary output should be maintained to minimize the possibility of crystalluria.
The dose should be adjusted in case of patients with renal impairment
Adult:
Children: