Augmentin Dosages for Kids and Adults: Your GoodRx Guide

Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate) is a popular medication used to treat bacterial infections in kids and adults. It contains two antibiotics — amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. They work together to fight bacterial infections, including those potentially resistant to other antibiotics.

Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that doesn’t always work when used alone. Certain bacteria have the ability to disassemble it. That’s where clavulanate, also known as clavulanic acid, comes in. Clavulanate is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that protects amoxicillin from bacteria that can break it down. This gives amoxicillin a boost by making it stick around longer to treat your infection.

You may be wondering how much Augmentin you should take. Your Augmentin dosage will depend on many factors, including the type of infection you have, how severe it is, and your body weight. In this guide, we’ll review typical Augmentin dosages. But take note that your healthcare provider may recommend a different dosage.

What dosage forms does Augmentin come in?

Augmentin is available in multiple dosage forms, including immediate- and extended-release tablets, chewable tablets, and an oral suspension.

These formulations have some degree of flexibility. If you’re prescribed a version of Augmentin that’s not in stock at your pharmacy, your pharmacist may be able to exchange it with one that is. They can discuss your options with you.

However, IR and ER formulations of Augmentin are not interchangeable with each other. While the ER version is approved to treat pneumonia and sinus infections, the IR form is approved to treat at least five types of infections. Augmentin IR is also more commonly used than Augmentin ER. 

Keep in mind: You can take these formulations with or without food. But taking Augmentin with food can help prevent stomach upset. For Augmentin ER, it’s best to stick to a low-fat meal or snack.

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What’s the typical Augmentin dosage for adults?

Augmentin dosages for adults depend on the type and severity of the infection being treated. Typically, the length of treatment with Augmentin is 5 to 7 days. In more serious cases, it may be recommended for up to 14 days at a time.

Augmentin dosages are based on the amoxicillin portion of the medication. Amoxicillin is what directly treats your infection, while clavulanate just boosts its effects. These are the recommended Augmentin dosages for people who weigh at least 40 kg (88 lbs):

• Mild to moderate infections:

  • Augmentin 250 mg every 8 hours

  • Augmentin 500 mg every 12 hours

• Severe infections:

  • Augmentin 500 mg every 8 hours

  • Augmentin 875 mg every 12 hours

  • Augmentin ER 2,000 mg every 12 hours

Taking Augmentin every 12 hours is more common than taking it every 8 hours. It’s more convenient to take your antibiotic twice daily rather than three times a day.

What’s the typical Augmentin dosage for children?

Augmentin dosages for children are based on their age and body weight. 

In general, kids and adolescents who weigh more than 40 kg (88 lbs) can receive the adult dosage. Kids with a lower body weight should receive a smaller dose.

Kids ages 3 months and older

The typical Augmentin dosage for children ages 3 months (12 weeks) and older is 25 mg to 45 mg per kg of body weight per day, depending on infection type and severity. This is usually divided into two doses. 

For example, if your child weighs 20 kg (44 lbs), their total daily dosage could be 500 mg for a less severe infection. So you may be instructed to give them a 250 mg dose every 12 hours.

Kids younger than 3 months old

The typical Augmentin dosage for children younger than 3 months is 30 mg per kg of body weight per day. This is divided into two daily doses, 12 hours apart.

For example, if your child weighs 5 kg (11 lbs), their total daily dosage would be 150 mg. They would likely need 75 mg of medication every morning and every evening until their doses run out.

Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?

Yes. Dosage adjustments are sometimes recommended for people with kidney or liver disease.

It’s important to let your healthcare provider know about any medical conditions you have before taking Augmentin. They will be able to determine if any dosage adjustments are necessary.

Dosage for people with kidney problems

Augmentin is mostly eliminated from your body by your kidneys. So, if you have severe kidney problems, your dosage of Augmentin may need to be adjusted downward. Otherwise, Augmentin can build up in your body and cause extra side effects.

People with severe kidney problems can take a maximum of 500 mg every 12 to 24 hours (depending on how severe their infection is). But people with mild to moderate kidney problems can generally take the typical dosage. Your healthcare provider can run tests to evaluate your degree of kidney function.

Dosage for people with liver problems

In general, no dosage adjustments are necessary if you have liver problems.

However, in some cases, Augmentin has been linked to new or worsening cases of liver issues like jaundice and hepatitis. If this happens to you, you’ll likely be told to stop taking Augmentin.

Thankfully, any damage to your liver is usually reversible after you stop taking Augmentin.

What happens if you miss a dose of Augmentin?

It can be difficult to remember to take a new medication. But to be as effective as possible, Augmentin should be taken consistently at its recommended, prescribed times.

If you miss a dose of Augmentin, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose of Augmentin, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of Augmentin to make up for a missed one — this can increase the risk of side effects.

If you find yourself missing multiple doses, reach out to your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance. They may want to make some adjustments to your prescription in order to better treat your infection.

What should you do if you take too much Augmentin?

Taking one or two extra doses of Augmentin shouldn’t cause any long-term or serious health problems. But taking more Augmentin than recommended can increase the risk of side effects. You may notice a few additional side effects, including:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Stomach pain

• Diarrhea

• Skin rash

If you think you took too much Augmentin, reach out to your healthcare provider for advice. This is a good precaution to take even if you just took one or two extra doses and don’t feel any symptoms. They can make treatment recommendations for addressing any side effects that may occur. They may also advise that you wait longer until your next dose. Calling Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 is a good alternative.

However, in severe cases of overdose, too much Augmentin can lead to kidney or liver toxicity. If you or someone you know suspects they took far too much Augmentin, go to the nearest emergency room right away.

How to save on Augmentin

There are ways to save on Augmentin, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. GoodRx can help you save more than 80% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic Augmentin’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $13.79 with a free GoodRx discount.

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Written by:

Sheila McAdoo, PharmD

Sheila McAdoo, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist in Virginia, New York, and the District of Columbia. She has worked in the pharmacy industry for 12 years and currently works as a community pharmacist.

Edited by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

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