Augmentin (Amoxicillin-Clavulanate) Dosing for Adults
For adult patients, the standard dosing of Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) is 875 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanate twice daily for most common infections. 1
Standard Adult Dosing Regimens
- Regular strength: 875/125 mg twice daily
- Maximum daily dose: 1750 mg amoxicillin component per day (from 875 mg twice daily)
- Duration: Typically 7-10 days depending on infection type and severity
Infection-Specific Dosing
Different infections may require specific dosing approaches:
- Skin and soft tissue infections: 875/125 mg twice daily 2
- Sinusitis: 875/125 mg twice daily for 7-10 days 1
- Complicated UTI: 875/125 mg twice daily for 10-14 days 1
- Group A streptococcal carrier treatment: 40 mg amoxicillin/kg/day in three divided doses (maximum = 2,000 mg amoxicillin per day) for 10 days 2
Extended Release Formulation
For resistant respiratory pathogens, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae with reduced susceptibility to amoxicillin:
- Augmentin XR: 2000 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanate twice daily 3
- This formulation maintains plasma amoxicillin concentrations above 4 μg/mL for approximately 49% of the dosing interval, making it effective against S. pneumoniae strains with higher MICs 3
Special Considerations
- Renal impairment: Dose adjustment required for creatinine clearance <30 mL/min
- Hepatic impairment: Monitor liver function; use with caution
- Second-line therapy: Augmentin is often effective for patients who have failed initial therapy with other antibiotics 1
Administration Guidelines
- Take with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects
- Space doses evenly throughout the day (approximately 12 hours apart for twice-daily dosing)
- Complete the full course of therapy even if symptoms improve before completion
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Underdosing: Using insufficient doses for resistant pathogens can lead to treatment failure
- Failure to adjust for renal function: Can lead to accumulation and increased risk of side effects
- Premature discontinuation: Can lead to recurrence and potential resistance development
- Not considering local resistance patterns: Local antimicrobial susceptibility should guide therapy, particularly for respiratory infections
When treating serious infections or in areas with high resistance rates, consider the higher-dose formulations to ensure adequate coverage of potentially resistant organisms.