What is the recommended dose of Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) for an abscess?
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Dainyal Siddiqui, MD
Internal Medicine
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Manuel Jimenez, MD
Cardiology
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Franz Pierre-Louis, MD
Infectious Disease
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Last updated: March 28, 2025 • View editorial policy
For a dental or skin abscess, the typical adult dose of Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) is 875 mg/125 mg taken twice daily, or 500 mg/125 mg taken three times daily for 7-10 days. Children's dosing is based on weight, usually 45 mg/kg/day divided into two doses. Treatment should be completed for the full prescribed duration even if symptoms improve earlier to ensure complete eradication of the infection. Augmentin works by combining amoxicillin, which kills bacteria by disrupting cell wall synthesis, with clavulanic acid, which prevents bacteria from inactivating amoxicillin through beta-lactamase enzymes. This combination is effective against many bacteria that cause abscesses, including those that have developed resistance to regular amoxicillin. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash. Taking the medication with food can help reduce stomach upset. If allergic to penicillin, alternative antibiotics should be used. Severe or worsening symptoms despite antibiotics may require drainage of the abscess by a healthcare provider.
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