From the Guidelines
The recommended dose of Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) for acute sinusitis in adults is 875 mg/125 mg taken twice daily or 500 mg/125 mg taken three times daily for 5-7 days, as per the guidelines from the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1.
Key Considerations
- For children, dosing is based on weight, usually 45 mg/kg/day divided into two doses, with a maximum adult dose of 4.0 g twice daily, as stated in the study by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends amoxicillin-clavulanate as the first-line empirical therapy for acute bacterial sinusitis in children, with a dose of 80-90 mg/kg per day of the amoxicillin component with 6.4 mg/kg per day of clavulanate in 2 divided doses, as outlined in the study published in Pediatrics 2.
- Augmentin should be taken with food to reduce stomach upset, and patients should complete the full course even if symptoms improve before finishing.
- If symptoms worsen or don't improve after 3 days, patients should contact their healthcare provider, and those with penicillin allergy should not take Augmentin and should discuss alternative antibiotics with their doctor.
Important Details
- The combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in Augmentin helps overcome bacterial resistance by inhibiting beta-lactamase enzymes that would otherwise break down amoxicillin, making it particularly useful for treating sinusitis that hasn't responded to amoxicillin alone.
- Common side effects of Augmentin include diarrhea, nausea, and rash, as reported in various studies, including the one published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1.
- The Infectious Diseases Society of America also recommends amoxicillin-clavulanate as the initial empirical antimicrobial therapy for acute bacterial sinusitis in children, as stated in the guideline published by the American Academy of Pediatrics 2.