Recommended Administration Protocol for Augmentin (Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid) via Slow Infusion
For intravenous administration of Augmentin, the standard protocol is to administer 1.2g (1g amoxicillin plus 200mg clavulanic acid) as a slow infusion over 30 minutes every 8 hours.
Dosing Guidelines
- The standard intravenous dose of Augmentin is 1.2g (1g amoxicillin plus 200mg clavulanic acid) administered every 8 hours 1
- For more severe infections, a higher dose of 2.2g can be administered as an infusion over 30 minutes 2
- Total daily dose should not exceed 3.6g (three doses of 1.2g) for standard treatment 1
Administration Technique
- Administer Augmentin as a slow intravenous infusion over 30 minutes to minimize vascular irritation and adverse effects 2, 1
- Rapid bolus injections should be avoided as they may lead to higher peak concentrations and increased risk of adverse effects 2
- Ensure the medication is properly diluted according to manufacturer's instructions prior to administration 1
Special Populations
- For patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), dose adjustment is necessary due to prolonged half-life of both amoxicillin (13.6h) and clavulanic acid (3.05h) 3
- In hemodialysis patients, administer dose after dialysis sessions as both components are significantly removed during hemodialysis (fractional removal of 0.64 for amoxicillin and 0.65 for clavulanic acid) 3
- For patients with hepatic impairment, caution is advised as non-renal clearance may be reduced 3
Monitoring and Safety
- Monitor for signs of infusion-related reactions including phlebitis at the injection site 1
- Common adverse effects include gastrointestinal disturbances such as vomiting (reported in approximately 14% of patients) 1
- Consider switching to oral therapy after initial intravenous treatment (typically after 3 days) if clinically appropriate 1
- Therapeutic serum concentrations achieved with standard dosing are well above minimum inhibitory concentrations for susceptible pathogens 2
Duration of Therapy
- Continue treatment for a minimum of 10 days, with duration varying according to the type and severity of infection 1
- For serious infections, longer courses may be necessary 4
- Clinical response should guide the decision to continue or modify therapy 1
Practical Considerations
- Intravenous Augmentin shows excellent clinical efficacy with reported cure rates of approximately 88.4% across various infection types 1
- The combination of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid provides enhanced coverage against beta-lactamase producing organisms that would otherwise be resistant to amoxicillin alone 5, 4
- When transitioning from IV to oral therapy, maintain the same dosing interval (every 8 hours) 1