From the FDA Drug Label
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets USP, and other antibacterial drugs, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets USP is a combination penicillin-class antibacterial and beta-lactamase inhibitor indicated in the treatment of infections due to susceptible isolates of the designated bacteria in the conditions listed below*: 1.1 Lower Respiratory Tract Infections – caused by beta-lactamase–producing isolates of Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis.
- 2 Acute Bacterial Otitis Media – caused by beta-lactamase–producing isolates of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis. 1.3 Sinusitis – caused by beta-lactamase–producing isolates of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis. 1.4 Skin and Skin Structure Infections – caused by beta-lactamase–producing isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella species.
- 5 Urinary Tract Infections – caused by beta-lactamase–producing isolates of E. coli, Klebsiella species, and Enterobacter species.
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) is an appropriate treatment option for vaginal infections caused by Enterococcus faecalis, with a recommended regimen of Augmentin 875/125 mg taken orally twice daily for 7-10 days, as supported by the most recent study 1. The treatment of aerobic vaginitis (AV) caused by Enterococcus faecalis is crucial to prevent the progression of cervical lesions to cancer, as suggested by the presence of HPV 16 genes and genomes in E. faecalis 1. Key considerations for treatment include:
- Completing the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication
- Staying well-hydrated and considering probiotic supplements to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea or vaginal yeast infections
- Monitoring for symptoms that don't improve within 48-72 hours of starting treatment, or worsen at any point, to determine the need for antibiotic resistance testing and a more effective treatment approach The use of Augmentin is supported by its ability to combine amoxicillin, which targets bacterial cell wall synthesis, with clavulanic acid, which inhibits beta-lactamase enzymes that can cause resistance, as noted in previous studies 2, 3. However, it's essential to prioritize the most recent and highest-quality study, which in this case is 1, to ensure the best possible outcome in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. Other studies, such as 4, 3, and 5, provide additional context and insights into the treatment of Enterococcus faecalis infections, but are not as directly relevant to the specific question of vaginal augmentin treatment.