From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ... For more severe infections and infections of the respiratory tract, the dose should be one amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablet USP, 875 mg/125 mg every 12 hours or one amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablet USP, 500 mg/125 mg every 8 hours. The recommended dose of Augmentin for diverticulitis is not explicitly stated in the label, but for more severe infections, the dose is one amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablet USP, 875 mg/125 mg every 12 hours or one amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablet USP, 500 mg/125 mg every 8 hours 1.
- The dose may vary depending on the severity of the infection.
- Patients with impaired renal function may require a reduction in dose.
- Hepatically impaired patients should be dosed with caution.
From the Research
For diverticulitis, Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) is typically prescribed at a dose of 875 mg/125 mg taken orally twice daily for 7-10 days, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 2.
Key Considerations
- The dose of 875 mg/125 mg twice daily is effective for uncomplicated diverticulitis, providing broad-spectrum coverage against both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria commonly found in the colon.
- For more severe cases, higher doses may be used, such as 875 mg/125 mg three times daily, but this should be determined on a case-by-case basis.
- It's essential to take the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before completion, to ensure complete resolution of the infection.
Patient Management
- Patients should take Augmentin with food to reduce stomach upset and improve absorption.
- Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash, and patients should be advised to contact their healthcare provider if they develop severe diarrhea, as this could indicate a Clostridioides difficile infection.
- Patients should stay well-hydrated and follow a clear liquid diet initially, gradually advancing to low-fiber foods as symptoms improve.
Evidence-Based Practice
- The management of diverticulitis is not standardized, and there is an enormous diversity in clinical practice, as noted in 2.
- However, the use of orally administered amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid, as in Augmentin, has been shown to be effective in treating uncomplicated diverticulitis, with a short hospital admission or even outpatient management, as demonstrated in 2.
- The most recent and highest quality study 2 supports the use of Augmentin at a dose of 875 mg/125 mg twice daily for 7-10 days, making it a recommended treatment option for diverticulitis.