augmentum

ANTIBIOTICS

This section contains a partial listing of popular and useful antibiotics. It is not intended to be a substitute for accepted references and texts. The lists do not in any way imply endorsement of a particular antibiotic. Side effects, adverse reactions are those encountered most often. Each patient must be provided information and be monitored by their clinician.

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Glossary of Abbreviations

Augmentinamoxicillin/clavulanate

Popular Brand Names

Clavulin, Augmentin

Dose/route:

Adult:(150-pound patient with normal renal and hepatic function)

PO 250-500 mg q8h depending on severity of infection.

Child:(under 8)

PO 20-40 mg/kg/day in divided doses q8h

Drug action:

Inhibits enzymes responsible for cell wall synthesis of susceptible organisms. This creates an osmotically unstable cell wall that swells and bursts from osmotic pressure.
This drug is bactericidal in normal doses.
This drug is excreted through the renal system.

How supplied:

Tabs 250, 500 m;
chew tabs 125,250 mg;
powder for oral susp 125, 250 mg/5 ml

Spectrum covered:

Effective against E. coli, H. Influenzae, S. faecalis, S. pneumoniae, P. Mirabilis, and beta-lactamase-producing strains.

Indications:

Sinus infecions, pneumonia, otiis media, skin, urinary track infections;
Effective for strains of E. Coli, P. Mirabilis, H. Influenzae, S. Faecalis, S. Pneumoniae, and beta-lactamase-producing organisms.
A combination drug that may be effective when an infection is caused by a penicillinase-producing gram-negative bacteria.
May be effective against early on-set or refractory periodontitis

Drug interactions:

Decreased antimicrobial effectiveness of amoxicillin:
1. tetracyclines,
2. erythromycins,
3. lincomycins.
Whereas probenecid increases amoxicillins concentration within the body.
May decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to penicillins; neonates.

Side effects:

The penicillins are among the least toxic drugs known. They rarely elicit adverse reactions in humans unless present in excessive concentration. They can disrupt the normal gastrointestinal flora and cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, colitis, and anorexia. To minimize diarrhea it is recommended that penicillin be taken with two to three tablespoons of yogart, or a lactobacillum tablet. Fatal anaphylaxis is estimated to occur in one in 10,000 users. At high doses penicillin can have a toxic effect that can cause seizures, platelet dysfunction, hemolytic anemias of an immunologic type, encephalitis, and nephritis. Pseudomembraneous colitis is an occasional adverse reaction.

References:

Gage,T., Pickett, F.: Mosby's dental drug reference. Mosby publishing, 1996.

Neidle, E., Yageila, J.: Pharmacology and therapeutics for dentistry. Mosby 3rd edition. 1989.

Newman, M., Kornman, K.: Antibiotic/antimicrobial use in dental pratice. Quintessence Publishing Co., Inc. 1990