Is Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) effective for treating diverticulitis?

From the Guidelines

Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) is a recommended antibiotic for the treatment of diverticulitis, particularly in patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis who have comorbidities, are frail, or have refractory symptoms, as well as in those with complicated diverticulitis 1. When considering antibiotic treatment for diverticulitis, it is essential to note that guidelines recommend selective use, rather than routine use, in patients with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis 1. The decision to use antibiotics should be based on individual patient factors, such as the presence of comorbidities, frailty, or high-risk features like a CRP >140 mg/L or baseline white blood cell count > 15 × 109 cells per liter 1. Some key points to consider when using Augmentin for diverticulitis include:

• The typical adult dosage is 875 mg/125 mg taken twice daily for 7-10 days, although the duration of treatment may vary based on individual patient factors 1.
• Augmentin provides broad-spectrum coverage against mixed intestinal bacteria, making it an effective choice for diverticulitis treatment 1.
• Patients should take Augmentin with food to reduce stomach upset and complete the entire course even if symptoms improve.
• Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and rash, and those with penicillin allergies should not take Augmentin and should inform their doctor immediately. It is crucial to note that for severe diverticulitis with complications like abscess formation or peritonitis, intravenous antibiotics and possibly surgical intervention may be necessary instead of oral Augmentin 1.

From the Research

Augmentin for Diverticulitis

• Augmentin, also known as amoxicillin-clavulanate, is an antibiotic that has been studied for the treatment of diverticulitis 2, 3.
• According to a study published in 2021, amoxicillin-clavulanate may be a suitable alternative to metronidazole-with-fluoroquinolone for outpatient diverticulitis, with no differences in 1-year admission risk, 1-year urgent surgery risk, or 3-year elective surgery risk 2.
• Another study from 2006 found that ambulatory treatment with oral antibiotics, including amoxicillin-clavulanic, was safe and effective in patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis 3.
• The use of antibiotics, including Augmentin, in the treatment of diverticulitis is supported by several studies, which suggest that they can help manage symptoms and prevent complications 4, 5, 6.
• However, the decision to use antibiotics, including Augmentin, should be individualized and based on patient-specific factors, such as the severity of symptoms and the presence of complications 4, 5, 6.

Key Findings

• Amoxicillin-clavulanate may be a suitable alternative to metronidazole-with-fluoroquinolone for outpatient diverticulitis 2.
• Ambulatory treatment with oral antibiotics, including amoxicillin-clavulanic, is safe and effective in patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis 3.
• Antibiotics, including Augmentin, can help manage symptoms and prevent complications in diverticulitis 4, 5, 6.

Treatment Considerations

• The use of antibiotics, including Augmentin, should be individualized and based on patient-specific factors, such as the severity of symptoms and the presence of complications 4, 5, 6.
• Patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis may be treated with oral antibiotics, including amoxicillin-clavulanic, in an outpatient setting 2, 3.
• Patients with complicated diverticulitis may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics 4, 5, 6.