Augmentin 875/125 mg: Uses, Safety and Interactions

What this tablet contains

The Augmentin BID 1000 mg record concerns an oral combination of amoxicillin 875 mg and clavulanic acid 125 mg. The total is not 1000 mg of amoxicillin. Amoxicillin attacks susceptible bacteria; clavulanic acid blocks some bacterial enzymes that would otherwise break down amoxicillin. Different tablet and liquid ratios are not automatically interchangeable. The reviewed tablet guidance recommends taking it at the start of a meal to improve tolerability and absorption. Do not substitute a different strength by simply matching the total milligrams.

What it is used for

The reviewed UK co-amoxiclav label includes selected bacterial respiratory, urinary, skin, dental, bone and joint infections. The US label has its own indications and eligibility rules. The combination is not a treatment for colds or influenza, and broader coverage does not make it the best antibiotic for every infection. Culture results, local resistance and the infection site matter.

Side effects and warning signs

Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and thrush can occur. A history of a serious penicillin or other beta-lactam allergy must be discussed before treatment. Breathing difficulty, facial swelling or a blistering rash require urgent help. Persistent or bloody diarrhoea needs prompt assessment, including after treatment has ended. Repeated vomiting one to four hours after a dose, especially with pallor or marked lethargy, can signal drug-induced enterocolitis and needs urgent assessment even without a rash. Yellow skin or eyes and dark urine may indicate liver injury. Previous jaundice or liver dysfunction caused by this combination is a contraindication.

Interactions and special circumstances

Warfarin or similar anticoagulants can require closer clotting-test monitoring. Penicillins may reduce methotrexate elimination; probenecid can raise amoxicillin concentrations. A transplant team should know about concurrent mycophenolate because its exposure may change. These concerns call for professional review rather than independently changing another medicine. Kidney function affects which strength or regimen is suitable. Pregnancy and breastfeeding need an individual benefit-risk assessment; the UK label also identifies special concerns with preventive use after premature rupture of membranes. A breastfed infant may develop diarrhoea or thrush. Follow the current leaflet for the actual product, and ask a pharmacist about any conflicting instructions.

Sources

• Co-amoxiclav 875 mg/125 mg film-coated tablets — UK SmPC, Brown & Burk — Text revision 19 September 2025; emc update 2 December 2025
• Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium oral tablets — US prescribing information, DailyMed — DailyMed update 19 October 2026; prescribing information major changes July 2026

Source check: 30 October 2026. This date records verification of the cited sources, not a clinical review by a doctor or pharmacist. Use the current leaflet for your product and seek professional advice for personal treatment decisions.