What is the recommended dosing of Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) for a tooth infection?

Augmentin Dosing for Tooth Infection

For tooth infections, the recommended dosing of Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) is 875 mg/125 mg twice daily for adults. 1

Adult Dosing

• Standard adult dose for tooth/dental infections:

  • 875 mg/125 mg twice daily (every 12 hours) 2, 1
  • Take at the start of a meal to minimize gastrointestinal intolerance 1
  • Typical duration: 5-7 days based on clinical response 3

• Alternative dosing (if 875/125 mg tablets unavailable):

  • 500 mg/125 mg every 8 hours 1
  • Do not substitute two 250 mg/125 mg tablets for one 500 mg/125 mg tablet (they contain the same amount of clavulanic acid) 1

Pediatric Dosing

• Children ≥40 kg: Use adult dosing (875 mg/125 mg twice daily) 1
• Children <40 kg:
  • 45 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin component divided every 12 hours for more severe infections 1
  • 25 mg/kg/day of amoxicillin component divided every 12 hours for less severe infections 1
• Infants <12 weeks: 30 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours 1

Special Considerations

• Renal impairment: Dose adjustment required for creatinine clearance <30 mL/min 4
• Administration: Take with food to enhance absorption of clavulanate and reduce GI side effects 1
• Duration: Complete the full course of therapy even if symptoms improve before completion 4

Clinical Evidence

Amoxicillin/clavulanate has demonstrated high efficacy in odontogenic infections with a clinical success rate of 88.2% in a randomized study comparing it to clindamycin 3. The combination provides broad-spectrum coverage against common oral pathogens, including beta-lactamase-producing bacteria that might be resistant to amoxicillin alone 5.

Common Side Effects

• Diarrhea (most common)
• Raised liver enzymes
• Headache 3

Most adverse events are mild to moderate in intensity and the safety profile is well-established 3, 5.

Important Considerations

• For tooth infections, surgical drainage may be necessary in addition to antibiotic therapy 2
• The twice-daily regimen (875/125 mg) is associated with significantly less diarrhea than three-times-daily dosing 1
• Local resistance patterns should be considered when selecting antibiotic therapy 4

Augmentin is an effective choice for dental infections due to its broad spectrum of activity against oral pathogens, including those that produce beta-lactamases, which can inactivate amoxicillin alone.