From the Guidelines
If you're experiencing facial burning and swelling while taking Augmentin, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately as this could indicate an allergic reaction. The provided evidence does not directly address the association between Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) and facial burning and swelling. However, it is known that amoxicillin, a component of Augmentin, can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with a history of penicillin allergy 1.
Key Considerations
- Facial swelling, especially around the lips, eyes, or throat, may indicate angioedema or a more severe allergic response that could potentially become life-threatening.
- While waiting for medical help, taking an antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) if available may help alleviate symptoms, but it should not substitute for proper medical care.
- The decision to stop taking the medication and seek medical attention should be made promptly, especially if symptoms are accompanied by difficulty breathing, hives, or throat tightness.
Management and Next Steps
- Your doctor will likely switch you to a different class of antibiotics to treat your original infection.
- It is crucial to inform healthcare providers about this reaction in the future, as you should avoid all penicillin-class antibiotics going forward.
- The evidence provided focuses on the diagnosis and management of sinusitis, including the use of amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate as first-line therapies 1, and the consideration of patient preference and practice setting in deciding whether to treat acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) with antibiotics 1. However, the primary concern in the case of facial burning and swelling while taking Augmentin is the potential for an allergic reaction, which requires immediate medical attention.
From the Research
Augmentin Side Effects
- Facial burning and swelling are not directly mentioned as side effects of Augmentin in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5.
- However, side effects such as rash (3%) are reported in a study on the treatment of skin infections with Augmentin 4.
- Another study reports diaper rash, or loose stools, or both as common side effects in children treated with Augmentin (34%) 5.
- A case report of acute facial swelling following a dental procedure is described, but it is attributed to an allergic reaction and not directly to Augmentin 6.
- A study comparing the efficacy of intravenous benzylpenicillin and intravenous Augmentin in the empirical management of Ludwig's angina measures the rate of swelling reduction, but does not report facial burning as a side effect 3.
Facial Swelling
- A study on Ludwig's angina reports measuring the rate of swelling reduction using Augmentin, but does not mention facial burning 3.
- A case report describes acute facial swelling after a dental procedure, but it is not related to Augmentin 6.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that Augmentin is associated with facial burning and swelling 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.