Resuming Augmentin Treatment After Missing Two Doses
Yes, the patient can resume her 7-day course of Augmentin 875 after missing two doses (22 hours late), but she should complete the full prescribed course by taking all remaining doses.
Understanding Antibiotic Treatment Completion
Antibiotics like Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) require complete treatment courses to:
- Ensure effectiveness of the immediate treatment
- Prevent bacterial resistance development
The FDA drug label for Augmentin specifically states that "skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance" 1.
Guidelines for Resuming Treatment
When a patient misses antibiotic doses, the appropriate action depends on:
- Number of doses missed: In this case, two doses were missed
- Time elapsed: 22 hours have passed since the scheduled doses
- Total treatment duration: Part of a 7-day course
According to treatment guidelines, when therapy is interrupted, clinicians should:
- Continue the regimen originally prescribed to complete the recommended duration
- Consider restarting the entire regimen only if interruptions were frequent or prolonged 2
Since this interruption was relatively brief (22 hours) and involved only two doses, the patient should:
- Resume taking Augmentin 875 immediately
- Continue with the regular dosing schedule
- Complete the full 7-day course as originally prescribed
Important Considerations
Efficacy Concerns
Research shows that Augmentin remains effective when the full course is completed, even with minor interruptions 3. The 875mg formulation taken every 12 hours has demonstrated clinical success rates of 93% in respiratory infections, comparable to more frequent dosing 3.
Patient Education
When resuming treatment, advise the patient to:
- Take each dose with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset 1
- Complete the entire prescribed course even if feeling better
- Space remaining doses evenly throughout the day
- Not double-dose to "catch up" on missed doses
When Medical Reevaluation Is Needed
A medical examination to rule out treatment failure would be indicated if:
- The interruption had been longer than 2 months 2
- The patient shows signs of worsening infection
- Symptoms fail to improve after resuming treatment
Conclusion
The patient should resume her Augmentin 875 treatment immediately and complete the full 7-day course as prescribed. This approach will maximize treatment effectiveness while minimizing the risk of bacterial resistance.