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Co-amoxiclav: Essential Nursing Guide

Co-amoxiclav is an antibiotic that combines amoxicillin and clavulanic acid to treat bacterial infections resistant to amoxicillin alone. It works by disrupting bacterial cell wall formation and blocking a chemical defense some bacteria use against penicillin. Common side effects include hepatitis, jaundice, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues. Nurses should monitor patients for allergic reactions, ensure proper administration and dosing, and watch for signs of complications like colitis.

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Izza Deloria
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695 views3 pages

Co-amoxiclav: Essential Nursing Guide

Co-amoxiclav is an antibiotic that combines amoxicillin and clavulanic acid to treat bacterial infections resistant to amoxicillin alone. It works by disrupting bacterial cell wall formation and blocking a chemical defense some bacteria use against penicillin. Common side effects include hepatitis, jaundice, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues. Nurses should monitor patients for allergic reactions, ensure proper administration and dosing, and watch for signs of complications like colitis.

Uploaded by

Izza Deloria
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

GENERIC NAME Co-amoxiclav

BRAND NAME Augmentin, Augmentin-Duo

CLASSIFICATION Broad-spectrum penicillin.

DOSAGE 625mg, 1 tab, BID

MECHANISM OF ACTION An antibiotic that combines amoxicillin and

clavulanic acid. It destroys bacteria by

disrupting their ability to form cell walls.

Clavulanic acid blocks the chemical defense,

known as beta-lactamase, that some bacteria

have against penicillins. Co-amoxiclav is

active against bacterial infections that have

become resistant to amoxicillin

INDICATIONS Known or suspected amoxicillin-resistant

infections including respiratory tract, skin and

soft tissue, genitourinary, and ear, nose and

throat infections. Effective against strains of

Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis,

Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus


faecalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and some

beta-lactamase-producing organisms.

CONTRAINDICATIONS Penicillin hypersensitivity. History of

co-amoxiclav associated or penicillin

associated jaundice or hepatic dysfunction

SIDE EFFECTS Hepatitis. Cholestatic jaundice. Erythema

multiforme (including Stevens-Johnson

syndrome). Toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Exfoliative dermatitis. Vasculitis. Dizziness.

Headache. Convulsions (especially in high

doses or in renal impairment). Superficial teeth

staining when using the suspension. Phlebitis

at injection site.

ADVERSE REACTIONS Hypersensitivity reactions, GI upset,

mucocutaneous candidiasis. Rarely hepatitis,

cholestatic jaundice, interstitial nephritis, toxic

epidermal necrolysis, blood dyscrasias, CNS

effects, antibiotic-associated colitis.

NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Check for the five rights before giving

the medication

2. Ask the patient if she have any allergies

to the drug
3. Assess bowel pattern before and during

treatment as pseudomembranous colitis

may occur.

4. Report haematuria or oliguria as high

doses can be nephrotoxic.

5. Assess respiratory status.

6. Observe for anaphylaxis.

7. Ensure that the patient has adequate

fluid intake during any diarrhoea attack.

8. Instruct the patient to ensure they take

the full course of the medicine.

9. Instruct the patient to take the medicine

in equal doses around the clock to

maintain level in the blood.

10. Document the process.

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