From the Guidelines
Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) is not the first-line treatment for streptococcal pharyngitis, but it can be effective against common ear infection pathogens. For streptococcal pharyngitis, the recommended treatment is penicillin or amoxicillin, as stated in the 2012 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1. The typical dose of amoxicillin for streptococcal pharyngitis is 50 mg/kg once daily (max = 1000 mg) for 10 days 1. However, for otitis media, amoxicillin is recommended as first-line therapy, and the dosage should be 80 to 90 mg per kg per day, as suggested by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians 1. Augmentin works well against these infections because it combines amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, which helps overcome bacterial resistance by inhibiting beta-lactamase enzymes that would normally destroy the antibiotic. This makes it effective against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis, which are common pathogens in otitis media. Common side effects of Augmentin include diarrhea, nausea, and rash. It is essential to take the full course as prescribed, even if symptoms improve quickly, and to take it with food to minimize stomach upset. If severe diarrhea, severe rash, or difficulty breathing occur, it is crucial to contact a healthcare provider immediately, as these could indicate serious adverse reactions. In terms of quality of life, treating streptococcal pharyngitis and otitis media promptly and effectively can significantly improve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications, thereby enhancing the patient's quality of life. Morbidity and mortality can also be reduced by appropriate treatment, as untreated streptococcal pharyngitis can lead to acute rheumatic fever and other complications. Therefore, while Augmentin may not be the first-line treatment for streptococcal pharyngitis, it can be an effective option for otitis media, and its use should be considered based on the individual patient's needs and circumstances.
Some key points to consider when prescribing Augmentin for otitis media include:
- The dosage should be 80 to 90 mg per kg per day, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians 1.
- The treatment should be taken for the full recommended course, even if symptoms improve quickly.
- Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash, and severe reactions should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.
- Augmentin can be effective against common ear infection pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis.
Overall, Augmentin can be a useful treatment option for otitis media, but its use should be guided by the latest clinical guidelines and the individual patient's needs and circumstances.
From the Research
Effectiveness of Augmentin for Treating Streptococcal Pharyngitis and Otitis Media
- Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) has been shown to be effective in treating streptococcal pharyngitis and otitis media, with studies demonstrating its ability to eradicate or suppress Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae [ 2, 3,4,5,6 ].
- A study comparing azithromycin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and cefaclor in the treatment of acute ENT infections found that amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was effective in treating otitis media and pharyngotonsillitis, with 85% of patients showing improvement or cure [ 2 ].
- Another study found that amoxicillin/clavulanate therapy eradicated or suppressed all strains of S. pneumoniae susceptible to penicillin, 75% of strains with intermediate resistance, and 40% of strains resistant to penicillin 3.
- A review of the continuing development of amoxicillin/clavulanate as an innovative antimicrobial agent found that it has a high bacteriological and clinical efficacy in respiratory tract infections, including otitis media and streptococcal pharyngitis 4.
- A randomized, investigator-blinded, multicenter trial found that a large dosage pediatric formulation of amoxicillin/clavulanate was clinically and bacteriologically more effective than azithromycin in treating bacterial acute otitis media in children 5.
- An in vivo study using a gerbil model of acute otitis media found that amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was effective in eradicating both S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae, while erythromycin did not eradicate H. influenzae 6.
Bacteriological Efficacy
- Amoxicillin/clavulanate has been shown to have a high bacteriological efficacy in eradicating S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae, including penicillin-resistant and beta-lactamase-producing strains 3, 5, 6.
- The combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid provides a broad-spectrum of antibacterial activity and coverage of beta-lactamase-producing pathogens 4.