Key takeaways:
Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate) is an antibiotic used to treat many bacterial infections. Your Augmentin dosage will depend on many factors, such as the type of infection you have, your age, and your body weight.
The typical Augmentin dosage for adults ranges from 250 mg to 875 mg every 8 to 12 hours for 5 to 10 days. The dosage for children is based on their body weight.
Augmentin is available as a lower-cost generic. You can pay as little as $13.79 at certain pharmacies with a free GoodRx coupon.
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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 an 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 prescriber 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.
Dosage form | Available doses |
• 250 mg / 125 mg • 500 mg / 125 mg • 875 mg / 125 mg | |
• 1,000 mg / 62.5 mg | |
Chewable tablet | • 200 mg / 28.5 mg • 400 mg / 57 mg |
Oral suspension | • 125 mg / 31.25 mg per 5 mL • 200 mg / 28.5 mg per 5 mL • 250 mg / 62.5 mg per 5 mL • 400 mg / 57 mg per 5 mL |
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, the 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 take it at the start of a meal, ideally a low-fat meal.
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 10 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: 250 mg every 8 hours or 500 mg every 12 hours
Severe infections: 500 mg every 8 hours, 875 mg every 12 hours, or 2,000 mg (ER) 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 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.
Wondering about side effects? Though serious side effects are rare, here’s what you should know before starting Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate).
Augmentin interactions: From alcohol to blood thinners, learn about medications and substances that may interact with Augmentin.
Paying out of pocket? Check out this rundown of how much Augmentin costs without insurance.
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 impairment. It’s important to let your prescriber 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 the infection is). But people with mild to moderate kidney problems can generally take the typical dosage. Your prescriber 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.
But, 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, liver damage 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 dosage 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 prescriber 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 prescriber 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; you can also message them online.
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, call 911 or go to the nearest ER right away.
How to save on Augmentin
There are ways to save on Augmentin, which is available as 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.
Frequently asked questions
Augmentin is typically used to treat bacterial infections such as sinus infections, ear infections, and pneumonia. It can also treat skin infections, urinary tract infections, and more. It’s effective against certain bacteria that produce beta-lactamase enzymes, which may make amoxicillin ineffective by itself.
Augmentin usually stays in your body for about 12 hours, though the exact timing can vary based on your dose, body weight, and kidney health, among other factors.
Your kidneys clear about half of the amoxicillin portion in an hour, and after around 8 hours, it’s no longer detectable in your blood. Small amounts may still remain, but your kidneys gradually filter those out over the next few hours. Clavulanate is cleared in a similar way, but it typically leaves your system a little faster than amoxicillin.
Augmentin is typically used to treat bacterial infections such as sinus infections, ear infections, and pneumonia. It can also treat skin infections, urinary tract infections, and more. It’s effective against certain bacteria that produce beta-lactamase enzymes, which may make amoxicillin ineffective by itself.
Augmentin usually stays in your body for about 12 hours, though the exact timing can vary based on your dose, body weight, and kidney health, among other factors.
Your kidneys clear about half of the amoxicillin portion in an hour, and after around 8 hours, it’s no longer detectable in your blood. Small amounts may still remain, but your kidneys gradually filter those out over the next few hours. Clavulanate is cleared in a similar way, but it typically leaves your system a little faster than amoxicillin.
The bottom line
Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate) is an effective antibiotic for treating bacterial infections. Your prescriber will determine the right Augmentin dosage for you based on factors such as your age and body weight. Adult doses typically range from 250 mg to 875 mg taken 2 or 3 times a day. Daily dosages for children are based on their age and body weight.
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References
Aurobindo Pharma Limited (2022). Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium - amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium powder, for suspension [package insert].
Evans, J., et al. (2024). Amoxicillin clavulanate. StatPearls.
Khanna, N. R., et al. (2022). Beta-lactamase inhibitors. StatPearls.
Sandoz. (2022). Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium- amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablet, multilayer, extended release [package insert].
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA. (2023). Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium- amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablet, film coated, Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium- amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium powder, for suspension, Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium- amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablet, chewable [package insert].
