From the Guidelines
No, Staphylococcus aureus is not reliably susceptible to Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) due to the prevalence of beta-lactamase-producing strains and the potential for methicillin-resistance. The effectiveness of Augmentin against S. aureus depends on the specific strain and its resistance patterns. While the clavulanic acid component in Augmentin can inhibit beta-lactamase, which is an enzyme produced by some S. aureus strains to resist penicillin-type antibiotics, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains are resistant to Augmentin 1. For skin and soft tissue infections, guidelines recommend using agents active against S. aureus, such as dicloxacillin or cephalexin for methicillin-susceptible strains, and doxycycline, clindamycin, or sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim for MRSA 1.
- Key considerations for treating S. aureus infections include:
- Confirming susceptibility through culture and sensitivity testing, especially in severe cases or when MRSA is suspected
- Using appropriate antimicrobial therapy based on the specific strain and resistance pattern
- Completing the full course of antibiotics to prevent recurrence and antimicrobial resistance
- It's crucial to note that the provided guideline evidence from 2014 does not specifically recommend Augmentin for S. aureus infections, instead suggesting other agents as first-line treatments 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following bacteria, both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus
Susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus to Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate):
- Yes, Staphylococcus aureus is susceptible to Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) 2.
From the Research
Susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus to Augmentin
- The provided studies do not directly address the susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus to Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- However, the studies discuss the resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus to various antibiotics, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- Methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus is associated with resistance to semi-synthetic penicillins, which includes amoxicillin 6.
- The use of amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) may not be effective against MRSA due to its resistance to methicillin and semi-synthetic penicillins 6.
- Other antibiotics, such as vancomycin, linezolid, and daptomycin, are effective against MRSA, but their use is limited by increasing resistance and side effects 3, 4, 7.
Alternative Treatment Options
- The studies suggest that alternative treatment options, such as clindamycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and doxycycline, may be effective against Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA 3, 4, 5.
- However, the efficacy of these antibiotics may vary depending on the specific strain of Staphylococcus aureus and the severity of the infection 3, 4, 5.