Why would Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) 875mg be ordered for 14 days?

From the Guidelines

Augmentin 875 would typically be prescribed for 14 days to treat more severe or complicated bacterial infections that require extended antibiotic coverage, as recommended by the British Thoracic Society guideline for bronchiectasis in adults 1. This extended duration is commonly used for conditions such as complicated sinusitis, severe skin infections, complicated urinary tract infections, or respiratory infections like pneumonia where standard 7-10 day courses might be insufficient. The 14-day regimen ensures complete eradication of the infection, preventing bacterial persistence that could lead to recurrence or antibiotic resistance. Augmentin 875 combines amoxicillin (a penicillin antibiotic) with clavulanic acid (a beta-lactamase inhibitor) to overcome certain bacterial resistance mechanisms. Some key points to consider when prescribing Augmentin 875 for 14 days include:

• The patient should complete the entire 14-day course even if symptoms improve earlier
• The medication should be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects
• Consistent dosing intervals (typically twice daily) should be maintained
• Patients should be aware of potential side effects including diarrhea, nausea, and rash
• Patients with penicillin allergies should not take this medication According to the guideline, the recommended length of treatment for certain organisms is 14 days, which supports the use of Augmentin 875 for this duration 1. It's also important to note that the guideline recommends amoxicillin with clavulanic acid as a first-line treatment for certain organisms, such as Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis 1. Overall, the 14-day prescription of Augmentin 875 is a common and effective treatment for severe or complicated bacterial infections, and patients should be advised to follow the treatment regimen carefully to ensure the best possible outcome.

From the Research

Treatment Duration of Augmentin 875

• The treatment duration of Augmentin 875 for 14 days may be ordered due to the type and severity of the infection being treated, as well as the patient's medical history and response to treatment 2.
• Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that has been used for over 20 years in the treatment of community-acquired respiratory tract infections, including those caused by beta-lactamase-producing pathogens and penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae 2.
• The dosage and duration of Augmentin treatment may vary depending on the specific infection being treated, with typical treatment durations ranging from 7 to 14 days 2, 3.

Efficacy of Augmentin 875

• Augmentin 875 has been shown to be effective in the treatment of community-acquired respiratory tract infections, including acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, acute sinusitis, and community-acquired pneumonia 2, 3.
• The combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in Augmentin provides a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity and coverage of beta-lactamase-producing pathogens, making it a useful therapeutic option for the treatment of infections caused by amoxicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae 3.

Comparison to Other Antibiotics

• Augmentin 875 has been compared to other antibiotics, including levofloxacin, in the treatment of community-acquired respiratory tract infections, and has been shown to be effective and well-tolerated 4, 5, 6.
• The choice of antibiotic and treatment duration may depend on various factors, including the type and severity of the infection, patient demographics, and local resistance patterns 4, 5, 6.