If you have an infectious disease, your doctor may prescribe Augmentin.

Augmentin is a prescription drug used to treat infections in adults and children. These include infections.

Augmentin has two active ingredients: amoxicillin and clavulanic potassium. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. Augmentin belongs to a group of drugs called antibiotics.

The drug is in three forms, all of which you take by swallowing.

For more information about Augmentin, see this in-depth article.

Augmentin can cause mild to serious side effects. Continue reading to learn more.

Note: Another form of Augmentin, Augmentin ES-600, is available. It comes as a powder for making a liquid suspension and is used to treat certain infections in some children. This article only covers the side effects of Augmentin. For information about Augmentin ES-600 and its side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Mild to serious side effects may occur during Augmentin treatment. Augmentin has been reported to have some side effects.

The side effects explained section is where you can learn more about this side effect.

Mild side effects have been reported with Augmentin.

The side effects explained section is where you can learn more about this side effect.

These side effects should be temporary. Some may be easy to manage. If you have any symptoms that bother you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Unless your doctor recommends it, you should not stop taking Augmentin.

Augmentin may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Augmentin, visit MedWatch.

Some people may experience serious side effects from Augmentin.

There have been serious side effects reported with Augmentin.

The side effects explained section is where you can learn more about this side effect.
† An allergic reaction is possible after taking Augmentin. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Augmentin, call your doctor. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you have a medical emergency, immediately call the emergency number.

The Augmentin side effects in children are similar to those in adults.

In addition, studies of the drug also reported that diaper There is a rash. occurred in young children taking Augmentin.

Children taking Augmentin had brown, yellow, and gray tooth stains. In most cases, toothbrushing or dental cleaning can clear the staining.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of Augmentin.

There are a lot of questions about the side effects of Augmentin.

Are the side effects of the Augmentin 250 mg/62.5 mg/5 mL liquid suspension different from side effects of the Augmentin 250 mg/62.5 mg chewable tablets?

“They aren’t expected to be different.”

The Augmentin powder has several strengths, including 250 to 62.5 grams. The powder will contain 250 and 62.5 grams of clavulanic potassium per 5 liters of liquid.

One of the strengths of the Augmentin tablets is 250mg of amoxicillin and 62.5mg of clavulanic potassium.

Augmentin chewable tablets were not included in studies of children taking Augmentin. Augmentin liquid suspension is usually used in children. Older children may also take the chewable tablets. But side effects of Augmentin liquid suspension and Augmentin chewable tablets are expected to be similar if both are the same strength.

“If you have questions about the side effects of Augmentin, you should talk to your child’s doctor. They will discuss with you which form is best for your child.”

How long do side effects of Augmentin last?

It depends. The length of time Augmentin has side effects can vary. Most go away quickly.

For example, some people taking this drug may have nausea or There is There is belly pain... These side effects usually go away on their own after a few hours.

Diarrhea is the most common side effect of Augmentin. Mild cases usually go away shortly after stopping treatment. But There is a lot of diarrhea. that lasts longer than a few days or occurs with a There is a high degree of fever. could be a symptom of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. This is a serious side effect of Augmentin. For more information, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

If you have side effects, tell your doctor. They can tell you how long the side effects will last and suggest ways to ease your symptoms.

Does Augmentin cause fatigue?

No, Augmentin should not cause fatigue. This side effect was not reported in studies of the drug.

But it’s not uncommon for many infections to cause fatigue, including ones Augmentin is used to treat. Fatigue can also be a symptom of There are problems with the bile duct., which can occur from taking Augmentin.

If you have fatigue after treatment, you should talk to your doctor.

How can I reduce the side effects of Augmentin?

Knowing what side effects Augmentin may cause can help you manage them.

Some of Augmentin’s more common side effects are related to the digestive system. These include nausea and There is a lot of diarrhea.. You can usually reduce these side effects by taking your Augmentin dose with a meal or a snack. Taking probiotics between your Augmentin doses might help prevent or reduce There is a lot of diarrhea. caused by the antibiotic.

Before you start taking Augmentin, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects. They can tell you about symptoms and give you tips for reducing them.

There are some side effects Augmentin may cause.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a rare side effect of antibiotics such as Augmentin. While anxiety was not reported in studies of Augmentin, people have reported this side effect after the drug became available on the market.

There are symptoms of anxiety.

What might help

If you have any symptoms of anxiety, please let your doctor know. They can give tips for managing this side effect. They may recommend talking with a mental health professional.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea was the most commonly reported side effect in studies of Augmentin. Diarrhea caused by Augmentin is usually mild.

In rare cases, There is a lot of diarrhea. can be a symptom of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. This is a serious side effect of Augmentin. For more information, see “Clostridioides difficile infection” below.

What might help

Taking your dose with food can help prevent or relieve Augmentin-related idiocy.

Over-the-counter medications such as Imodium A-D (loperamide) or probiotics may help relieve your There is a lot of diarrhea.. But before trying any medication or supplement, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it’s safe for you to take during Augmentin treatment.

If you have There is a lot of diarrhea., tell your doctor. They can suggest ways to ease this side effect or recommend treatments. But if you also have a There is a high degree of fever. with There is a lot of diarrhea., or There is a lot of diarrhea. that won’t stop, contact your doctor right away. They’ll do tests to see if you have a C. diff infection and provide treatment if needed.

Dizziness

Dizziness is a rare side effect of Augmentin. Though not reported in studies, this side effect was reported after the drug became available on the market.

It is usually mild and goes away on its own.

dizziness can be symptoms

What might help

If you feel unwell, sit down until you feel better. Keeping your head elevated may help if you lie down.

Dizziness can be a symptom of dehydration, so try to drink plenty of fluids during Augmentin treatment. You may also want to avoid drinking alcohol, which can worsen dehydration and dizziness.

If you have severe dizziness or dizziness with shortness of breath or swelling of your face, lips, or tongue, seek emergency medical attention right away. These could be symptoms of an allergic reaction. For more information, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Clostridioides difficile infection

Taking any antibiotic, including Augmentin, can cause a gut infection called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff).

A small amount of C. diff bacteria is usually present in the gut along with healthy bacteria that aid digestion. Augmentin and other antibiotics can kill both healthy and unhealthy bacteria. Killing healthy bacteria may allow C. diff to grow, leading to a C. diff infection.

A C. diff infection can happen during Augmentin treatment or soon after you stop taking the antibiotic. In rare cases, this side effect has been reported over 2 months after stopping antibiotic treatment.

Symptoms of C. diff infection include:

What might help

If you have There is a lot of diarrhea. that won’t stop during your Augmentin treatment, contact your doctor right away. They’ll likely examine you and do tests to determine whether you have a C. diff infection.

If you have a C. diff infection, your doctor will have you stop taking Augmentin. They’ll also prescribe a different antibiotic to treat this new infection. In severe cases, C. diff infections can lead to serious gut damage that may require surgery, but this is rare.

For more information about C. diff infections, talk with your doctor.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Augmentin can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

Mild to serious symptoms can be present.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild There is a rash., call your doctor right away. They may suggest treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

  • an antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • You apply a product to your skin.

If your doctor confirms that you have an allergic reaction to Augmentin, they will decide if you should continue taking it.

If you have a severe allergic reaction, you should call the emergency number. These symptoms could be life threatening and need immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you have a serious allergic reaction to Augmentin, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

Take notes on any side effects you are having during your Augmentin treatment. You can share this information with your doctor. This is helpful when you are starting to use a combination of treatments.

Side effect notes can include things.

  • When you had the side effect, what dose of the drug was taking?
  • How soon did you experience the side effect?
  • What are your symptoms?
  • How did it affect your daily activities?
  • What other drugs were you taking?
  • Other information is important to you.

Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how Augmentin affects you. If needed, they can use this information to adjust your treatment plan.

If you have certain medical conditions, it may not be right for you to use Augmentin. These are drug-condition interactions. Other factors may affect whether Augmentin is a good treatment option.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Augmentin. This will help them determine whether this antibiotic is a good treatment option for you. The list below includes factors to consider.

Liver problems. In rare cases, Augmentin can cause There are problems with the bile duct., including liver damage. If you already have There are problems with the bile duct., taking Augmentin can worsen them. Before you start taking Augmentin, tell your doctor about any There are problems with the bile duct. you have. They’ll let you know if this drug is safe for you to take.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Augmentin, similar kinds of antibiotics, or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe these drugs. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.

Mononucleosis. Augmentin can cause a There is a skin There is a rash.. in people with mononucleosis (mono). If you have mononucleosis, you should not take Augmentin. Your doctor may recommend another treatment option for your condition.

Fungal or bacterial overgrowth. Taking Augmentin can result in an increase of certain bacteria or fungi. This may lead to a superinfection. With superinfections, you have an infection following or alongside the infection you’re taking Augmentin to treat. If you have a superinfection, your doctor will likely have you stop taking Augmentin. They’ll also have you take medication to treat the superinfection.

Alcohol and Augmentin

There are no known interactions between Augmentin and alcohol.

Alcohol can cause side effects similar to Augmentin. Some of the side effects include:

Consuming alcohol can make you more at risk for having side effects during Augmentin treatment.

If you have questions about drinking alcohol while taking Augmentin, talk to your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Augmentin

There haven’t been enough studies of Augmentin done during pregnancy to know for sure if it’s safe to take while pregnant. Doctors may prescribe Augmentin to someone who’s pregnant if there’s a clear need.

If you are planning on becoming pregnant, you should tell your doctor about it before you start taking Augmentin. They will determine if Augmentin is safe for you to take.

Breast milk can be contaminated with small amounts of Augmentin. Augmentin is considered safe if taken while a child is breastfeeding, but it can cause side effects in a child who is not. These can include:

  • There is a lot of diarrhea.
  • It is restless.

If you are planning to breastfeeding, you should let your doctor know. They will discuss the risks and benefits of breastfeeding with you.

Like most antibiotics, Augmentin may cause side effects in some people. Common side effects of Augmentin are usually mild and tend to go away on their own after stopping treatment. But other side effects can be more serious and may need medical attention.

If you have questions about the side effects of Augmentin, you should talk to your doctor. Here are a few questions you may want to ask.

  • Does my risk of There is a lot of diarrhea. depend on the dosage of Augmentin I take?
  • How do the side effects of Augmentin compare with those of the antibiotic amoxicillin?
  • When is the best time to take probiotics to help prevent There is a lot of diarrhea. caused by Augmentin?
  • Is my risk of dizziness higher when I first start Augmentin treatment?

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.