Augmentin Dosing for Superficial Skin Infections in Adults
For an adult with a superficial skin infection, prescribe Augmentin 875 mg/125 mg twice daily for 7-10 days. 1, 2
Standard Dosing Regimen
The FDA-approved dose for skin and soft tissue infections is 875 mg/125 mg twice daily, which provides optimal coverage for the most common pathogens in superficial skin infections including Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. 2
The Infectious Diseases Society of America specifically recommends the 875 mg/125 mg twice-daily formulation for standard skin and soft tissue infections, which has demonstrated clinical success rates of 91.5-93%. 1
An alternative regimen is 500 mg/125 mg three times daily, though the twice-daily dosing is preferred as it is associated with significantly less diarrhea (1% vs 2%, p<0.05) compared to three-times-daily dosing. 1
Treatment Duration
The standard duration is 7-10 days, with 7 days being appropriate for uncomplicated superficial infections that show clinical improvement. 1
Treatment should continue until the patient has been afebrile for 48 hours and is clinically stable. 1
Administration Guidelines
Administer Augmentin at the start of a meal to enhance absorption of clavulanate and minimize gastrointestinal intolerance. 2
The medication may be taken without regard to meals, but taking it with food significantly reduces side effects. 2
Critical Dosing Pitfalls to Avoid
Never substitute two 250 mg/125 mg tablets for one 500 mg/125 mg tablet, as this results in excessive clavulanate dosing (250 mg vs 125 mg) and increases the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. 1, 2
Do not use the 500 mg/125 mg twice-daily regimen for superficial skin infections—this lower dose is reserved only for mild infections or animal/human bites. 1
When to Consider Alternative Antibiotics
If there is concern for MRSA (purulent drainage, systemic signs, history of MRSA colonization, injection drug use, or failed initial therapy), do not use Augmentin—instead use trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, doxycycline, or clindamycin. 3
For penicillin-allergic patients without immediate hypersensitivity, consider cephalexin 500 mg four times daily for 7-10 days as an alternative. 3