Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium) is a brand-name drug prescribed for specific bacterial infections in adults and children. Augmentin comes as an oral tablet and oral liquid suspension. It’s typically taken two or three times per day.
Augmentin contains two active ingredients: amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Amoxicillin belongs to a drug class called penicillin antibiotics. Clavulanate potassium is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Augmentin is available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Augmentin, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Augmentin, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Augmentin provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Augmentin, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Below is information about Augmentin forms, strengths, and dosages.
Augmentin forms
Augmentin comes in two oral forms: a tablet and a powder for suspension. If your doctor prescribes a suspension, your pharmacist will mix the powder with water. Then, they’ll dispense your Augmentin as an oral liquid suspension.
Augmentin strengths
Augmentin strengths use numbers separated by slashes. The first number is how much amoxicillin is present in milligrams (mg). The next number shows milligrams of clavulanic acid (in the form of clavulanate potassium).
Augmentin tablets come in one strength:
- 875 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanic acid
Augmentin suspensions come in three strengths:
- 125 mg amoxicillin/31.25 mg clavulanic acid per 5 milliliters (mL) of liquid
- 250 mg amoxicillin/62.5 mg clavulanic acid per 5 mL
- 600 mg amoxicillin/42.9 mg clavulanic acid per 5 mL (available as the brand-name drug Augmentin ES-600)
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed in adults. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below. For adults unable to swallow tablets, doctors may prescribe Augmentin suspension instead.
Dosage for respiratory infections
Doctors may prescribe Augmentin to treat certain bacterial respiratory infections. The typical dosage schedule in adults is:
- Dose: 875 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanic acid (one tablet)
- Frequency: every 12 hours
- Treatment length: at least 5 days
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Dosage for ear infections
Augmentin is also approved to treat bacterial ear infections. The typical dosage schedule in adults is:
- Dose: 875 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanic acid (one tablet)
- Frequency: every 12 hours
- Treatment length: about 10 days
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your specific dosage.
Dosage for skin infections
Doctors may prescribe Augmentin to treat various bacterial skin infections. The table below shows the typical dosage schedule for some skin infections Augmentin has been used to treat:
| Condition | Dose | Frequency | Typical treatment length |
|---|---|---|---|
| erysipelas | 875 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanic acid (1 tablet) | every 12 hours | about |
| cellulitis | 875 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanic acid (1 tablet) | every 12 hours | about 5 to 10 days |
| impetigo | 875 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanic acid (1 tablet) | every 12 hours | 7 days |
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Dosage for urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Doctors may prescribe Augmentin to treat UTIs caused by certain bacteria. The table below shows the typical dosage schedule in adults:
| Condition | Dose | Frequency | Typical treatment length |
|---|---|---|---|
| bladder infection | 875 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanic acid (1 tablet) | every 12 hours | about 3 to 7 days |
| kidney infection | 875 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanic acid (1 tablet) | every 12 hours | about 10 to 14 days |
Your doctor can answer questions you have about your dosage.
Dosage for sinus infections
Augmentin is also approved to treat sinus infections caused by certain bacteria. The typical dosage schedule for a sinus infection in adults may vary based on the infection’s severity:
- Dose: 875 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanic acid (one tablet)
- Frequency: every 12 hours
- Treatment length: about
5 to 7 days
Your doctor can give you more information about your specific dosage.
Augmentin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain bacterial respiratory, skin, urinary, sinus, and ear infections in children. Usually, doctors prescribe children the suspension form of the drug.
Augmentin ES-600 is only approved for some kinds of ear infection in certain children ages 3 months and older.
Augmentin and Augmentin ES-600 dosages are based on the child’s weight in kilograms (kg). One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb). The pediatric dosage per kg of body weight is measured in mg per kg (mg/kg) and is calculated by your child’s doctor. (The mg/kg dosing is based on the amoxicillin component of the drug.)
Note: Augmentin dosing in children is highly individualized. You should always follow the guidance of your child’s doctor. In some cases, doctors may adjust the dosage from those shown below.
Dosage for respiratory, skin, urinary, and sinus infections
For respiratory, skin, urinary, and sinus infections, the dosage per 1 kg of body weight depends on the child’s age.
For children younger than 3 months old, the typical dosage schedule is:
- Drug form: Augmentin 125 mg/31.25 mg per 5 mL suspension
- Dosage: 30 mg/kg per day
- Dosing instructions: divide the daily dose into two doses, with one dose given every 12 hours
For children ages 3 months and older who weigh less than 40 kg (about 88 lb), the typical dosage schedule is:
- Drug form:
- Augmentin 125 mg/31.25 mg per 5 mL suspension or
- Augmentin 250 mg/62.5 mg per 5 mL suspension
- Dosage: 40 mg/kg per day*
- Dosing instructions: divide the daily dose into three doses, with one dose given every 8 hours
For children ages 3 months and older who weigh 40 kg or more, the typical dosage is the same as the adult dosage for the specific type of infection. For details, see the “Typical dosages” section.
* For less severe skin infections, the doctor may prescribe a dosage of 20 mg/kg per day.
Dosage for ear infections
Doctors may prescribe Augmentin or Augmentin ES-600 for ear infections in children.
The Augmentin dosage for ear infections is the same as described just above for other bacterial infections in children. The recommended length of treatment for children’s ear infections is 10 days.
The Augmentin ES-600 dosage for children ages 3 months and older who weigh less than 40 kg (about 88 lb) is usually 90 mg/kg per day. You’ll divide the daily dose into two doses, with one dose given every 12 hours for 10 days. The doctor will tell you the amount of medication to administer with each dose.
It’s not known if Augmentin ES-600 is safe and effective for children weighing 40 kg or more. Dosing for this group isn’t available in the prescribing information.
Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.
Note: Take care to finish your entire prescribed treatment even if you start feeling better. If your symptoms go away, some of the bacteria may still be in your body. If you stop your antibiotic early, the bacteria can continue to multiply, or it increases the risk that this antibiotic may not work for this type of injection in the future. If you have questions about this, ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
Augmentin is taken by mouth. It’s best to take your dose with a meal to minimize stomach upset. Augmentin may work best when you:
- take doses at the start of a meal
- take doses around the same times of day
- evenly space your doses
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see if your doctor can prescribe an Augmentin suspension. If so, be sure to refrigerate the suspension. You should shake the mixture before each use. Safely dispose of Augmentin suspension after 10 days.
Switching between forms and strengths of Augmentin should be guided by a doctor or pharmacist. While multiple forms of Augmentin exist, your prescribed form may not be fit for substitution with another.
If you have questions about how to take Augmentin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Length of treatment
Augmentin is typically meant to be taken as a short-term treatment for certain infections. For details, see the typical treatment lengths provided above.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how long you can expect to take Augmentin.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
It’s important that you do not take more Augmentin or Augmentin ES-600 than your doctor prescribes. Taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects, increased side effects, or overdose.
Effects of an overdose
Overdose effects of Augmentin and Augmentin ES-600 may include:
If you take more than the recommended amount of Augmentin
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Augmentin. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.