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Augmentin is a drug that is prepared with a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. This prescribed medicine is a combination of penicillin antibiotic- Amoxicillin and bacteria inhibitor – Clavulanate Potassium. The former kills off the bacteria to cure the infection while the latter prevents the bacteria from becoming resistant to the amoxicillin.
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Uses of Augmentin for Sinus Infection
Augmentin is a better option for sinusitis than other antibiotics as this drug prevents the bacteria from getting resistant to the drug. In addition to curing sinusitis, doctors prescribe this drug to treat numerous infections such as-
- Acute otitis media
- Lower respiratory tract infections
- Urinary tract infection
- Skin infections
Dosage guide of Augmentin for Sinus Infection
Augmentin is available in the market in three forms-
- Tablets with strength ranging from 250 mg-875 mg
- Oral suspension with strength ranging from 125 mg to 400 mg
- Chewable tablets with strength ranging from 125 mg to 400 mg
Generally, doctors prescribe to take the medicine before the meal for better absorption of the clavulanate potassium by the body. The dosage for taking Augmentin for treating sinus infection is different in adults and children.
For adults-
Usually, the dosage for adults is to take one 500 mg tablet every 12 hours or 1 250 mg tablet every 8 hours. However, if the infections are severe, the recommended dosage can be higher. For infections in the respiratory tract, one 875 mg tablet is to be taken every 12 hours. Some adults may have difficulty swallowing tablets. They can take the oral suspension after consulting with the doctor.
For children-
The dose for children is usually dependent on their weight. Children who are 40 kgs or over, can take the adult dosage mentioned above. For infants who are 12 weeks old or more, the oral suspension is recommended every 12 hours.
Skipping or Overdose of Augmentin for Sinus Infection
If you have missed a dose of Augmentin, if there’s enough time between the skipped dose and the next dose, then take it. Otherwise, if the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and stick to your regular schedule.
In case the patient takes an overdose accidentally and he/she is experiencing symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, frequent urge to urinate, drowsiness or cloudy urine, then take them to to the doctor without further delay.
Side effects of Augmentin for Sinus Infection
Augmentin is relatively a safe antibiotic than other drugs for curing sinus infections. As this prepared with various chemical compounds, the user can experience mild side effects. In rare instances, there have been cases of severe side effects after taking this medicine.
- Itching
- Vaginal itching
- Pain while having sex
- Skin rash
- Vaginal discharge with no odor
- Oral thrush
- Hives or welts
- Indigestion
- Burning sensation inside the chest or stomach
- Redness, swelling, or soreness of the tongue
- Upset stomach
- The mouth gets swollen and inflamed
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Irregular heartbeat
- Restlessness
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Shaking
- Anxiety
- Hyperventilation
- Seizures
- Jaundice
Interaction of Augmentin for Sinus Infection
Augmentin is a drug prepared with chemical compounds. Hence, it can react with any other material in the body and cause a reaction. It can react with either a medicine that you are already taking for another medical condition or any habit that can interfere with its effectiveness. Some times it can make the side effects of the Augmentin more severe.
Moreover, the severe side effects can, in turn, make the body weaker and prone to other health problems. Therefore, before taking the medicine let your doctor know if you are taking any of the following medicines-
- Exenatide
- Chloroquine
- Magnesium citrate
- Warfarin
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Amoxicillin
- Doxycycline
- Methotrexate
- Vitamin D3
- Bupropion
- Tramadol
Not only other medicines but also existing medical conditions the person is suffering from can also hamper the working of Augmentin for sinus infection.
- Mononucleosis
- Renal dysfunction
- Hepatotoxicity
- Hemodialysis
- Colitis
In addition to this, remember that Augmentin can cause drowsiness just like any other antibiotic. Hence, remember not to drink alcohol while you are on the course of this drug. Or else, it can make the side effects worse.
Substitutes of Augmentin for Sinus Infection
Sometimes it is possible that you are unable to find Augmentin in the market due to its high demands. Instead of Augmentin, take these as they are made of the same composition and are of the same strength.
- Biaxin
- Cipro
- Cleocin
- Levaquin
- Keflex
- Augmentin
- Penicillin
Precautions of Augmentin for Sinus Infection
Without proper consultation with a doctor, taking any allopathic medicine including Augmentin is not safe. After a thorough examination, the doctor writes down a prescription with a dosage guide.
A person can buy Augmentin Tablet with only a valid prescription at the pharmacist or medical center.
Some of the things you should disclose to the doctor before taking this medicine are-
- Whether you are allergic to drugs such as penicillin, amoxicillin or clavulanic acid
- Whether you have any issues in the kidneys, muscles, liver or heart or suffering from viral infection
- If you have phenylketonuria
- Whether you suffer from HIV/AIDS, leukemia
- Whether you are taking any blood thinners
- If you are suffering from ulcerative colitis
Warnings of Augmentin for Sinus Infection
Diarrhea
Antibiotic therapy leads to bacterial growth that can lead to diarrhea. This can be due to overdosage hence, adjust the appropriate dosage and find a suitable alternative.
Dehydration
The medicine can cause dehydration in the body that can cause symptoms such as weakness, tremors, irregular heartbeat.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnant or lactating women should discuss the risks and benefits of the medicine before taking this antibiotic. Or else, it can put the baby in harm’s way.
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