From the FDA Drug Label
Adults who have difficulty swallowing may be given the 125 mg/31.25 mg per 5 mL or 250 mg/62.5 mg per 5 mL suspension in place of the 500 mg/125 mg tablet.
The amoxicillin 500mg-potassium clavulanate 125mg tablet can be converted into a liquid form by using the 125 mg/31.25 mg per 5 mL or 250 mg/62.5 mg per 5 mL suspension as a substitute for the tablet, for adults who have difficulty swallowing 1.
From the Research
Amoxicillin-clavulanate tablets can be converted into liquid form by crushing the tablet and mixing it with a small amount of water or juice immediately before taking, as supported by the most recent study 2. To do this, crush one 500mg/125mg tablet into a fine powder using the back of a spoon or pill crusher, then mix thoroughly with 1-2 tablespoons of room temperature water, apple juice, or another compatible liquid. Some key points to consider when converting amoxicillin-clavulanate tablets to liquid form include:
- The medication becomes unstable in liquid form after about 15 minutes, so this method should only be used for immediate consumption, not for storage 2.
- The crushed tablet may taste bitter, so mixing with a sweet liquid can help mask the flavor.
- This approach is useful for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets but should not replace commercially available suspensions when possible.
- The clavulanate component is particularly sensitive to degradation if left in solution too long, which can affect the efficacy of the medication 3.
- High-fat meals can decrease the exposure of clavulanic acid by nearly 40%, which may impact the effectiveness of the medication 2. It's essential to follow the proper procedure for converting amoxicillin-clavulanate tablets to liquid form to ensure the medication remains effective and safe to use. The pharmacokinetic properties of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, including their absorption, distribution, and elimination, are crucial in understanding how to properly administer the medication in liquid form 4. Additionally, the potential interactions between amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, as well as their individual pharmacodynamic properties, should be considered when using this medication 3, 4. Overall, converting amoxicillin-clavulanate tablets to liquid form can be a useful alternative for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets, but it's crucial to follow the proper procedure and consider the potential limitations and interactions of the medication.