Co-Amoxiclav

How should I take Co-Amoxiclav?

• Take one tablet every 8 hours (three times daily), or as prescribed by your doctor.
• Swallow whole with water at the start of a meal to reduce stomach upset.
• Space doses evenly throughout the day for best effect.
• Complete the full course, even if you start feeling better.
• Do not skip doses or stop early without medical advice.

What are the possible side effects?

• Common: diarrhoea, nausea, skin rash, and indigestion.
• Less common: headache, dizziness, vomiting.
• Rare but serious: jaundice, severe skin reactions, or allergic swelling of the face or throat.

Seek urgent medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

What ingredients are in Co-Amoxiclav?

• Active ingredients: Amoxicillin trihydrate, Clavulanic acid (as potassium clavulanate)
• Other ingredients: Magnesium stearate, silica, cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide, and film-coating agents.

How should Co-Amoxiclav be stored?

• Store below 25°C in a dry place away from moisture and heat.
• Keep tablets in the original packaging to protect from light.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

What is Co-Amoxiclav?

Co-Amoxiclav is a prescription-only, broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It combines two active ingredients: amoxicillin, which belongs to the penicillin group of antibiotics and works by killing bacteria, and clavulanic acid, which prevents bacteria from inactivating amoxicillin through an enzyme called beta-lactamase. Together, this combination allows the treatment to work against a broader range of bacteria than amoxicillin alone.

This medicine is commonly prescribed to treat respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia. It is also effective for urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin and soft tissue infections, dental infections, and middle ear infections. Because of its enhanced action against resistant strains of bacteria, Co-Amoxiclav is often used when initial antibiotic treatments have failed or when there’s a high risk of resistance.

Co-Amoxiclav is usually taken as a tablet, typically every 8 or 12 hours, depending on the formulation and severity of the infection. The duration of treatment can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the site and nature of the infection. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions precisely and complete the full course—even if symptoms improve early—to ensure the infection is fully treated and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

The medicine is suitable for use in adults and children, with dosage adjusted based on weight, age, and kidney function. For children or those unable to swallow tablets, liquid formulations are available. It is usually recommended to take each dose at the start of a meal to improve absorption and reduce the chance of stomach upset.

Side effects can include nausea, diarrhoea, and skin rash. In rare cases, allergic reactions such as hives or swelling may occur—particularly in those with a known penicillin allergy. Inform your healthcare provider of any past reactions to antibiotics before starting treatment.

Co-Amoxiclav is an important tool in modern medicine for treating infections that would otherwise be difficult to manage. Always use it as directed and consult your doctor if you have any concerns or if symptoms persist.