‘Augmentin’ dispersible tablets 375 mg

PLEASE READ THIS LEAFLET BEFORE TAKING YOUR MEDICINE

Always follow your doctor's advice.  If there is anything you do not understand, or if you have any questions, please ask your doctor or pharmacist (chemist).

Information for patients and carers

Your 'Augmentin' comes in round white tablets.

'Augmentin' dispersible tablets come in packs of 21.

Contents

'Augmentin' 375 mg dispersible tablets each contain 250 mg amoxycillin and 125 mg clavulanic acid.  Both of these ingredients are antibiotics and together they are known as co-amoxiclav.  The other ingredients in the tablets are polyvinylpyrrolidone, silica (E551), saccharin sodium, pineapple, strawberry and blood orange flavours, magnesium stearate (E572), and microcrystalline cellulose (E460).  Each tablet contains 1.14 mg of sodium

Product licence holder:
Beecham Group plc (trading as Beecham Research),
Mundells, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire AL7 1EY

Product Authorisation holder:
SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals Ltd, (trading as Beecham Research), Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

Manufacturer: Beecham Pharmaceuticals, Worthing, West Sussex.

What is ‘Augmentin’?
'Augmentin' is an antibiotic for treating infections  It belongs to a group of antibiotics called "penicillins".  'Augmentin' works by killing the bacteria that can cause infections.

Why has your doctor prescribed 'Augmentin'?		
‘Augmentin’ can treat a wide range of bacterial infections including those of the chest (bronchitis or pneumonia), tonsils (tonsillitis). sinuses (sinusitis). ears, skin, the bladder or the urethra (the tube which carries urine from the bladder), kidneys, teeth and gums (abscesses), and bone and joints.

Before taking your medicine

Let your doctor know if any of the following apply to you:

•	You have ever had a skin rash or swelling of the face or neck when taking any antibiotic.
	
•	You know you are allergic to penicillin (or any other antibiotic).
	
•	You have ever had a serious complaint - such as liver problems - when taking an antibiotic.
	
•	You are taking a contraceptive pill (in which case you will need to take extra contraceptive precautions such as using a condom).
	
•	You are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
	
•	You are being treated for kidney or liver problems.
	
•	You have glandular fever.
	
•	You are taking any medicine (such as warfarin) to prevent blood
	clots.
	
•	You are under 12 years of age.

If any of the above do apply to you, your doctor may decide you need a different medicine instead of 'Augmentin' or a different dose of 'Augmentin'.

How to take 'Augmentin'

Your doctor will tell you how many tablets you should take.  Usually you have to take the tablets three times a day.  Your doctor's instructions are on the label of the tablets' container, so read it carefully.  If you have any questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Each 'Augmentin' dispersible tablet should be stirred into a little water
before being swallowed.

For the best results, take 'Augmentin' just before meals.

Try to take your tablets so that it becomes part of your daily routine, for example at meal times.

But remember, whenever you take your tablets, space the doses as evenly as possible through the day.

Try not to take more than one dose every four hours and never take two doses within one hour or so	

	

Keep on taking the tablets, even if you feel better.
You need every tablet to help you fight off the infection.  If you stop taking your tablets before the end of the course, some bacteria may survive and cause the infection to come back.

If you still feel unwell after finishing the treatment, go and see your doctor.

Never take more than the recommended dose each day.

What if I forget to take a dose?
If you forget to take a tablet, take it as soon as you remember.  Then carry on as before.  Try to wait about four hours before taking the next dose.  Do not take two doses within one hour or so.

What if I take too much?
If you have taken too many tablets all at once, contact your doctor or local hospital casualty department at once.  Show the doctor your pack of tablets.

Information on possible side effects

A few people may find this medicine upsets their stomach or gives them diarrhoea.  The symptoms are usually mild and you may prevent them by taking the tablets just before meals.

Some people get a rash when they take antibiotics.  If you start to itch or get a rash, stop taking 'Augmentin' and tell your doctor at once.  Other side effects include a swollen face and breathing problems.  But these are extremely rare.  Tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of these symptoms.

Some people may get thrush (a yeast infection of the vagina, mouth or skin folds) after or during treatment.  You can get treatment for thrush from your doctor or pharmacist.

As with most medicines, 'Augmentin' can sometimes cause rare and serious reactions.  See your doctor straight away if you:

•	get severe diarrhoea with bleeding;
	
•	notice your urine becoming darker or faeces (otherwise known as poo) becoming paler; or
	
•	notice your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellow.

Some of these reactions can be delayed for several weeks after finishing the treatment.

If you are having blood tests, tell your doctor you are taking 'Augmentin'. This is because 'Augmentin' sometimes causes short-term changes in blood cell counts.

If you get any other problems while taking this medicine tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Storing 'Augmentin'

Don't take your tablets if the expiry date printed on the pack has passed.

Keep the tablets in their packet and store them in a dry place.  Keep all medicines well out of the reach of children — it's best to lock them in a cupboard or medicine cabinet.

If your doctor asks you to stop taking this medicine, or if for any other reason you have some tablets left over, please return them to the pharmacist.

Remember, this medicine is just for you.  Do not give it to anyone else.  It may not be suitable for them, even if their symptoms seem to be the same as yours.

Put this leaflet somewhere safe until you have finished taking all the medicine.

	

	

Leaflet prepared in April 1995

 1995 SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals

'Augmentin' is a trade mark of SmithKline Beecham