Yes, Augmentin is Available as a Liquid Oral Suspension
Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) is FDA-approved and widely available as an oral suspension (liquid formulation) for both pediatric and adult use 1.
Available Liquid Formulations
The liquid suspension comes in multiple formulations with different ratios of amoxicillin to clavulanate:
- Pediatric formulation: Provides a 14:1 ratio of amoxicillin to clavulanate in oral suspension 2
- AUGMENTIN ES-600: A high-dose pediatric formulation (600 mg amoxicillin/42.9 mg clavulanate per 5 mL) specifically designed for children 1
- Standard suspensions: Various concentrations available including formulations with different amoxicillin-to-clavulanate ratios (2:1,4:1,7:1, and 14:1) 3
Clinical Context and Dosing
For children, the liquid suspension is the preferred formulation, with dosing typically at:
- Standard dose: 40-45 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin component
- High-dose: 90 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin with 6.4 mg/kg/day of clavulanate in two divided doses 2, 4
For adults, while tablets are more commonly used, liquid formulations can be prescribed when patients cannot swallow pills 5, 6, 7.
Important Storage and Administration Details
- Must be refrigerated after reconstitution 1, 8
- Shake well before each use 1, 8
- Take with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset 1, 8
- Use a dosing spoon or medicine dropper for accurate measurement 1, 8
- Clavulanate component is less stable than amoxicillin in suspension, maintaining 90% concentration for 7 days at refrigerated temperature but degrading significantly at room temperature 9
Pharmacokinetic Considerations
The liquid suspension achieves adequate plasma concentrations in pediatric patients, with mean peak levels of approximately 7.2 mg/L for amoxicillin and 2.0 mg/L for clavulanic acid when dosed appropriately 10. The suspension formulation is well-tolerated and provides reliable absorption in children 11, 10.