Augmentin IV Injection

AUGMENTIN is an antibiotic which works by killing bacteria that cause infections. It contains two active ingredients; a penicillin called amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. AUGMENTIN IV is used to treat certain bacterial infections.

You should not receive AUGMENTIN if:

• you are allergic to amoxicillin, penicillin or cephalosporin. If you have had an allergic reaction (such as a rash) when taking an antibiotic, you should talk to your doctor before receiving AUGMENTIN
• you had jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or eyes) or liver disease while taking/receiving AUGMENTIN.

Take special care with AUGMENTIN if:

• you or your child is under 12 years of age
• you develop a skin rash while receiving AUGMENTIN. Administration should be stopped
• you have glandular fever and are prescribed AUGMENTIN. Please tell your doctor before you receive the medicine
• you have liver or kidney problems. The dosage may need to be reduced or you may need to be given a different medicine
• you have a history of gastrointestinal disease
• you are on a low sodium (salt) diet
• you are not passing water regularly.

In some cases, your doctor may investigate the type of bacteria that is causing your infection. Depending on the results, you may be given a different strength of AUGMENTIN or a different medicine.

Conditions you need to look out for: AUGMENTIN can make some existing conditions worse, or cause serious side effects. These include allergic reactions, convulsions (fits) and inflammation of the large intestine. You must look out for certain symptoms while you are receiving AUGMENTIN, to reduce the risk of any problems. See POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS.

Blood and urine tests: If you are having blood tests (such as red blood cell status tests or liver function tests) or urine tests (for glucose), let the doctor or nurse know that you are receiving AUGMENTIN. This is because AUGMENTIN can affect the results of these type of tests.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: You should not receive AUGMENTIN if you are pregnant or breastfeeding your baby. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding your baby, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional for advice before receiving AUGMENTIN. AUGMENTIN may reduce the efficacy of contraceptive pills. If you are taking a contraceptive pill you should talk to your doctor before receiving AUGMENTIN.

Taking other medicines with AUGMENTIN: Always tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other medicine. (This includes complementary or traditional medicines).

The doctor or nurse will give you the recommended dose of AUGMENTIN, either by injection into a vein or by intravenous infusion. AUGMENTIN must not be injected into a muscle or under the skin. Your doctor will decide how much you need to receive each day and how many days you should receive it for. You will not normally be given AUGMENTIN for longer than 10 days without your doctor reviewing your treatment. Remember to drink plenty of fluids such as water or non-alcoholic drinks, whilst receiving AUGMENTIN. If there is anything you do not understand please ask your doctor or pharmacist.

AUGMENTIN can have side effects. If you have any of the following symptoms after receiving AUGMENTIN, tell your doctor IMMEDIATELY:

• sudden wheeziness, shortness of breath, or chest tightness
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or other parts of the body
• suddenly feeling faint, especially upon standing up
• convulsions (fits or seizures)
• yellowing of the skin and/or eyes, or dark coloured urine. These symptoms may be accompanied by itching, fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and feeling generally unwell. These symptoms may not occur until several weeks after the end of treatment and can be severe
• blood in the urine which may be associated with a rash, fever, joint pain, or a reduction in passing water (urination)
• severe diarrhoea, which may be bloody, or contain mucus, and which may be accompanied by stomach cramps
• a rash with blisters that may cause the skin to peel, flake, or bleed
• unusual tiredness, headaches, being short of breath when exercising, dizziness, looking pale.

These are all very serious side effects. If you have them, you may have had a serious allergic reaction to AUGMENTIN. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.

Tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:

• fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers. Unusual joint pains especially if accompanied by a rash
• the tongue may change colour to yellow, brown or black, and it may have a hairy appearance
• bleeding, or bruising, more easily than usual
• a rash where the spots (usually 0,5 cm to 2 cm in size) have a pink/red ring around the edge and a darker centre.

These are all serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention.

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• mild rash, itching or hives (itchy lumps)
• indigestion
• headache
• dizziness
• diarrhoea (loose or watery bowel movements)
• nausea (feeling sick)
• vomiting (being sick)
• thrush (a yeast infection of the vagina, mouth or skin folds). You can get treatment for thrush from your doctor or pharmacist.

Symptoms such as indigestion, feeling sick and being sick can often be avoided by giving AUGMENTIN before food. You may experience pain, redness or swelling at the injection site. Not all side effects reported for AUGMENTIN are included in this leaflet. Should your general health worsen or if you experience any untoward effects while receiving this medicine, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare professional for advice. If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Store all medicines out of reach of children. The expiry date of this medicine is printed on the label. Do not use the medicine after this date. The medicine should be stored in a cool, dry place, at or below 25 °C.