Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Clavulin.
Allergy: Amoxicillin, one of the ingredients in Clavulin, is a penicillin. If you have previously had an allergic reaction to antibiotics such as penicillin or cephalosporins (e.g., cephalexin, ceftriaxone), you should not take Clavulin. Before you take amoxicillin - clavulanic acid, inform your doctor about any previous adverse reactions you have had to medications, especially cephalosporins and penicillins.
Get immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., hives; swelling of the face, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing).
Antibiotic-associated colitis: Clavulin, like other antibiotics, may cause a potentially dangerous condition called antibiotic-associated, or pseudomembranous, colitis. Symptoms include severe, watery diarrhea that may be bloody. If you notice these symptoms, stop taking amoxicillin - clavulanic acid and contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Aspartame: The suspension forms of Clavulin contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria, discuss with your doctor how Clavulin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Clavulin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Bacterial resistance: Misuse of an antibiotic such as amoxicillin - clavulanic acid may lead to the growth of resistant bacteria that will not be killed by the antibiotic. If this happens, the antibiotic may not work for you in the future. Although you may begin to feel better early in your course of treatment with Clavulin, you need to take the full course exactly as directed to finish ridding your body of the infection and to prevent resistant bacteria from taking hold. Do not take amoxicillin - clavulanic acid or other antibiotics to treat a viral infection such as The Common Cold; antibiotics do not kill viruses, and using them to treat viral infections can lead to the growth of resistant bacteria.
Birth control: Clavulin may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Some doctors recommend adding another method of birth control for the rest of the cycle when amoxicillin-clavulanate is taken.
Kidney function: Clavulin is removed from the body mostly by the kidneys. If you have Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function, Clavulin may build up in your body and cause unwanted effects.
If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Clavulin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Clavulin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: If you have liver disease or reduced liver function, discuss with your doctor how Clavulin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Clavulin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Clavulanic acid may cause a decrease in liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Mononucleosis: When amoxicillin - clavulanic acid is used by a person who has mononucleosis, a widespread rash may occur. If you have or suspect you have mononucleosis, discuss with your doctor how Clavulin may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Clavulin, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Clavulin should not be used by anyone who has or is suspected to have mononucleosis.
Overgrowth of organisms (super-infection): Prolonged or repeated use of this antibiotic may allow normal fungus or certain types of bacteria not killed by the antibiotic to overgrow, causing unwanted infections such as yeast infections. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in the mouth (thrush), abnormal vaginal discharge, or itching.
Pregnancy: Clavulin should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Clavulin, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Amoxicillin passes into breast milk. It is not known if clavulanic acid passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Clavulin, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
