Recommended Dosage of Augmentin for Adults
The recommended adult dosage of Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) is 875/125 mg twice daily or 500/125 mg three times daily, with the specific regimen depending on the severity of infection. 1, 2
Standard Adult Dosing Options
For Mild to Moderate Infections:
- 500/125 mg every 8 hours (three times daily) OR
- 875/125 mg every 12 hours (twice daily)
For Severe Infections:
- 875/125 mg every 12 hours OR
- 500/125 mg every 8 hours
Dosing Considerations
Administration:
- Take at the start of a meal to minimize gastrointestinal intolerance 2
- Complete the full prescribed course (typically 7-10 days)
- For streptococcal infections, treatment should continue for at least 10 days to prevent acute rheumatic fever 2
Infection-Specific Recommendations:
- Skin/Soft Tissue Infections: 875/125 mg twice daily 1
- Respiratory Tract Infections: 875/125 mg twice daily 2
- H. pylori Infection: 1 gram amoxicillin component (with other medications) twice or three times daily for 14 days 2
Renal Dosing Adjustments:
- GFR 10-30 mL/min: 500 mg or 250 mg every 12 hours (do NOT use 875 mg dose)
- GFR <10 mL/min: 500 mg or 250 mg every 24 hours
- Hemodialysis: 500 mg or 250 mg every 24 hours plus additional dose during and after dialysis 2
Common Pitfalls and Caveats
- Penicillin Allergy: Avoid in patients with history of severe immediate hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins
- Resistance Concerns: Consider local resistance patterns, particularly with S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and M. catarrhalis 3
- Hepatic Function: Monitor liver function in patients with evidence of hepatic dysfunction
- Duration: Treatment should generally continue for 48-72 hours beyond resolution of symptoms 2
- Pregnancy: Category B - generally considered safe but should be used only when clearly needed
Monitoring
- Clinical response within 48-72 hours
- Watch for adverse effects including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and rash
- Consider monitoring liver function in prolonged therapy
Augmentin remains a valuable broad-spectrum antibiotic for community-acquired infections, particularly when beta-lactamase-producing organisms are suspected. The twice-daily 875/125 mg formulation offers improved compliance compared to three-times-daily regimens while maintaining efficacy.