Concurrent Administration of Augmentin and Doxycycline 50mg
Yes, Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) and doxycycline 50mg can be safely administered together, as this combination is explicitly recommended in clinical guidelines for specific infections requiring broad-spectrum coverage. 1
Evidence Supporting Concurrent Use
The combination of beta-lactam antibiotics (including amoxicillin/clavulanate) with doxycycline is an established therapeutic approach:
The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends combining beta-lactams with doxycycline as an alternative to macrolides for patients with animal bites and certain wound infections. 1
The American Thoracic Society lists doxycycline as an acceptable alternative to macrolides when combined with beta-lactam antibiotics for hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia. 1
Clinical research demonstrates successful outcomes using Augmentin combined with doxycycline for pelvic inflammatory disease, with 35 of 35 patients who completed therapy being either cured or improved. 2
Pharmacologic Compatibility
There is no pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic antagonism between these agents:
Doxycycline is a bacteriostatic tetracycline antibiotic, while Augmentin is a bactericidal beta-lactam combination, with neither drug significantly affecting the metabolism or excretion of the other. 1
The theoretical concern about bacteriostatic agents interfering with bactericidal antibiotics has not been clinically significant in practice with this combination. 1
Clinical Applications
This combination is appropriate for:
- Polymicrobial infections requiring coverage of both anaerobes and atypical pathogens 1
- Diabetic wound infections with mixed bacterial flora 1
- Respiratory infections in patients with macrolide allergy or intolerance 1
- Necrotizing fasciitis when combined with other agents 1
Important Contraindications and Precautions
Avoid doxycycline in children under 8 years of age due to risk of tooth discoloration. 1
Doxycycline should be avoided in pregnant women, particularly in the second and third trimesters, and in breastfeeding mothers when the infant is premature or jaundiced. 1
Administer doxycycline with adequate fluid (8 ounces) to reduce esophageal irritation, and can be given with food to reduce gastrointestinal intolerance. 3
Advise patients to avoid sun exposure due to photosensitivity risk with doxycycline. 3
Monitor for gastrointestinal side effects, as approximately 20% of patients discontinued therapy due to GI effects in one study combining these agents. 2