Is it safe to take my weekly tirzepitide (glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist) injection while being treated with augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) for diverticulitis?

Safety of Tirzepatide During Augmentin Treatment for Diverticulitis

You can safely continue your weekly tirzepatide injection while taking Augmentin for diverticulitis—there is no contraindication or clinically significant drug interaction between these medications.

Direct Drug Interaction Assessment

• No pharmacologic interaction exists between tirzepatide (a GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist) and amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin), as they work through completely different mechanisms and metabolic pathways 1
• Augmentin provides appropriate antimicrobial coverage for diverticulitis by targeting gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria in the colon, while tirzepatide acts on incretin receptors to regulate glucose metabolism and gastric emptying 1
• Current diverticulitis management guidelines do not list GLP-1 receptor agonists as contraindications during acute treatment 2, 1

Clinical Considerations for Continuing Tirzepatide

Gastrointestinal Tolerability

• The primary consideration is gastrointestinal symptom management, as tirzepatide slows gastric emptying and can cause nausea, which may overlap with diverticulitis symptoms 1
• If you are tolerating oral intake well and your diverticulitis symptoms are improving on day 3 of Augmentin, continuing tirzepatide is reasonable 2, 1
• Monitor for increased nausea or vomiting after your tirzepatide injection—if these occur, contact your healthcare provider, as persistent vomiting would require medical reassessment 1

Dietary Modifications During Acute Diverticulitis

• You should be following a clear liquid diet or advancing to low-residue foods during acute diverticulitis treatment 1, 3
• Tirzepatide's appetite-suppressing effects may actually help with adherence to dietary restrictions during the acute phase 1
• Once your diverticulitis resolves, transition to a high-fiber diet (>22 g/day from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes) for long-term prevention 4, 1

When to Hold Tirzepatide

Consider temporarily holding your tirzepatide injection if:

• You develop persistent vomiting or cannot tolerate oral intake 1, 3
• Your abdominal pain worsens significantly (pain score ≥8/10) 2, 1
• You develop fever >101°F or signs of worsening infection 1, 3
• You experience severe nausea that prevents adequate hydration 1

Completing Your Antibiotic Course

• Complete the full course of Augmentin as prescribed (typically 4-7 days for uncomplicated diverticulitis in immunocompetent patients) 2, 1
• Do not stop antibiotics early even if symptoms improve, as incomplete treatment may lead to recurrence 2, 1
• Follow up with your primary care provider within 2 weeks to monitor recovery 1

Long-Term Prevention Strategies

• Continue tirzepatide for weight management, as achieving or maintaining normal BMI (18-25 kg/m²) reduces diverticulitis recurrence risk 1, 3
• Avoid NSAIDs (non-aspirin) when possible, as they moderately increase diverticulitis risk 4, 1
• Engage in regular vigorous physical activity to decrease recurrence risk 1, 3
• Do not restrict nuts, corn, popcorn, or small-seeded fruits—these are not associated with increased diverticulitis risk 1, 3

Red Flags Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop:

• Fever above 101°F despite antibiotics 1, 3
• Severe uncontrolled abdominal pain 1, 3
• Persistent nausea or vomiting preventing oral intake 1, 3
• Signs of dehydration (decreased urination, dizziness, dry mouth) 1
• Blood in stool or black tarry stools 3