What is the typical dosage of Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) for adults?

Typical Dosage of Augmentin (Amoxicillin-Clavulanate) for Adults

The usual adult dose of Augmentin is one 500 mg/125 mg tablet every 12 hours or one 250 mg/125 mg tablet every 8 hours. For more severe infections and respiratory tract infections, the dose should be one 875 mg/125 mg tablet every 12 hours or one 500 mg/125 mg tablet every 8 hours. 1

Standard Dosing Regimens

• For standard infections, adults should take one 500 mg/125 mg tablet every 12 hours or one 250 mg/125 mg tablet every 8 hours 1
• For more severe infections including respiratory tract infections, the recommended dose is one 875 mg/125 mg tablet every 12 hours or one 500 mg/125 mg tablet every 8 hours 1
• To minimize gastrointestinal intolerance, Augmentin should be taken at the start of a meal 1

Specific Clinical Scenarios

• For bacterial sinusitis, amoxicillin-clavulanate 875/125 mg twice daily is recommended 2
• For recurrent streptococcal pharyngitis in adults, 500 mg twice daily for 10 days is recommended 2
• For prophylaxis of bacterial respiratory tract infections in adults with immunodeficiency, 500-1,000 mg daily or twice daily may be used 2

Important Considerations for Dosing

• Two 250 mg/125 mg tablets should NOT be substituted for one 500 mg/125 mg tablet, as both contain the same amount of clavulanic acid (125 mg) but different amounts of amoxicillin 1
• Different formulations are not interchangeable due to varying ratios of amoxicillin to clavulanic acid 1
• For adults who have difficulty swallowing tablets, liquid suspensions are available:
  • 125 mg/31.25 mg per 5 mL or 250 mg/62.5 mg per 5 mL suspension can replace the 500 mg/125 mg tablet 1
  • 200 mg/28.5 mg per 5 mL or 400 mg/57 mg per 5 mL suspension can replace the 875 mg/125 mg tablet 1

Duration of Treatment

• Standard treatment duration is typically 7-10 days for most infections 2
• For specific infections like streptococcal pharyngitis, a 10-day course is recommended 2
• Treatment should continue for 7 days after the patient is well to ensure complete eradication of the organism and prevent relapse 2

Monitoring and Adjustments

• If symptoms are not improving after 3-5 days of treatment with amoxicillin, consider switching to high-dose amoxicillin-clavulanate or another antibiotic 2
• For partial response to treatment, continue antibiotic treatment for another 10-14 days 2

Precautions

• Dosage adjustments may be needed for patients with renal impairment 2
• Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting 3
• Taking Augmentin at the start of a meal enhances absorption of clavulanate potassium and reduces gastrointestinal intolerance 1

Remember that completing the full course of antibiotics is important even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished, to prevent relapse and antimicrobial resistance.