Humans are certainly not the only living organism living in this world. Beside animals, small organism such as bacteria do lives with humans, in fact, in humans. Do you know that only 1% bacteria on the earth do cause diseases in human? The countless number of bacterial infections do cause many symptoms in humans. These symptoms might seem similar in different medical conditions. There are more than 100 antibiotics available to treat bacterial infection. This big number of antibiotics availability should make a person be careful to not use antibiotics without doctor’s prescription. Hence, it is important to get medical advice when a person suspect themselves with infection. This helps the person get the right treatment. Common antibiotics such as Augmentin 625 mg should only be used with doctor’s prescriptions.

          Augmentin contain two active ingredients, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. These combination makes Augmentin a strong antibiotic as it helps to eradicate many infections compared to amoxicillin alone. Augmentin is also considered as a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Augmentin is classified under penicillin drug class. The way Augmentin works is by inhibiting the ability of the bacteria from forming walls that cover the bacteria from antibiotic. This means Augmentin destroy the ability of the bacteria to protect itself from action of antibiotic.

          Since there are so many antibiotics available, patients probably wonder why Augmentin is specifically prescribed for them. Augmentin is usually prescribed to treat many different kinds of bacterial infections including skin infections, lung infections, bone and joint affections, urinary tract infections, genital infections and many other infections. Aside from the combination of the active ingredients making it one of the strong antibiotics, the beta-lactamase properties that Augmentin have helps to block the enzyme from leading to antibiotic resistance. This makes Augmentin one of the superior antibiotic available and among the common prescribed antibiotics both in emergency department and primary care such as clinic as it helps to treat many infections.

          Although Augmentin is indeed a strong antibiotics, some people may resort to use this antibiotics to self-treat themselves thinking that it could treat all infections. This is certainly not a wise choice to do. In fact, a person may be at risk for antibiotics resistance if they misuse or using antibiotics inappropriately. Antibiotic resistance will make a person be needing a stronger antibiotic in future which is often expensive and can be difficult to get. This translates to the person with antibiotic resistance unable to use common and affordable antibiotics to treat bacterial infections as those antibiotics is not effective anymore. Aside from this, antibiotic resistance may lead a person to be forced to stay in hospitals longer than anyone else with the same infections. Thus, antibiotics must only be used when it is prescribed by doctors to ensure it is used with the right dose and for the right reason.

          Augmentin is to be used according to its recommended dose. This would be explained doctor and depends on the diseases or severity of the infections. Apart from the right dose, it is important to take it regularly with interval of 8 hours per day. It is best to take Augmentin on the same time of the day to help patient remember it. Patient must finish the antibiotic according to the number of antibiotics provided. By finishing the antibiotic course, this ensure that the bacterial infection is fully eradicated and to avoid possibility of antibiotic resistance.

            Apart from taking it according to dose and the number of time to take it in a day, there is other precaution need to be paid attention to such as what to avoid when taking Augmentin. Certain medicine may actually cause drug interaction when taken with Augmentin together. Medicine such as allopurinol and blood thinners is best avoided unless your doctor says otherwise. In general, when taking antibiotics including Augmentin, certain food and drink such as grapefruit and alcohol should be avoided as these may cause the antibiotics to not work properly or increase side effects. If you are taking supplements such as vitamins or herbs, you should let your doctor knows before taking this Augmentin. If you already have other medical conditions such as allergic reaction towards antibiotics before, liver problems and kidney issues, remember to let your healthcare provider knows before taking Augmentin. In short, if you are unsure if medical conditions you have and whatever food, drink, medicine or supplements you are taking will have effect with antibiotics such as Augmentin, it is best to let your doctors knows and have discussion about it.

          Augmentin do have potential side effects. It is worth noting that medicine prescribed by doctor have more benefits compared to its side effect. Common side effects include upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Should these side effects persists or gets worst, go seek medical advice and never stop taking antibiotics immediately unless are told by doctor. If serious side effect such as allergic reaction, liver problems characterised by yellow tint skin or to the white eye, dark urine, spontaneous bleeding/bruising or extreme tiredness after taking Augmentin, please visit emergency room promptly.

          In essence, Augmentin is one of the strong antibiotics used to treat many bacterial infections. It must only be used with doctor’s prescription. Do take antibiotics as instructed by doctors and make sure to finish the full antibiotic course. If there is any discomfort or unwanted symptoms after taking Augmentin, do let your healthcare provider knows.

Also read – Dengue Prevention.