name | Clavulanate Potassium |
classification | Penicillins (beta-lactams), specifically a beta-lactamase inhibitor |
pharmacokinetics | absorption | Clavulanate is well absorbed after oral administration. However, its bioavailability is variable and influenced by food. It is often administered with amoxicillin or other penicillins to improve the effectiveness of the antibiotic. | distribution | Clavulanate is distributed throughout the body. It is primarily excreted in the urine, but can have some tissue penetration, important in targeting infections in various areas. | metabolism | Clavulanate is primarily eliminated unchanged in the urine. | elimination | Clavulanate is excreted mainly by the kidneys, primarily in the urine. Dosage adjustments are necessary for patients with kidney impairment. | half life | The half-life of Clavulanate is variable, but generally ranges from 1 to 2 hours. However, it can be prolonged in renal impairment. |
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suggested dosage | note | Dosage will vary depending on the specific Clavulanate/Penicillin combination and the infection being treated. Always follow the prescription and instructions of your healthcare provider. | example | A typical example of a dose, for instance Clavulanate 1000 mg plus Amoxicillin 250 mg, taken three times a day orally. |
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indications | Clavulanate potassium, often combined with other antibiotics, is used to treat bacterial infections like pneumonia, sinusitis, bronchitis, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and others. It is effective against a range of bacteria that produce beta-lactamases, an enzyme that can break down other antibiotics. |
safety pregnancy | Limited data suggests possible risk during pregnancy. Consult your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits of using this medication during pregnancy. The potential risks need to be carefully considered for each individual case. |
safety breastfeeding | Limited data is available regarding the excretion of clavulanate into breast milk. If breastfeeding, consult a healthcare professional to discuss potential benefits and risks and if adjustments to feeding practices are needed. |
side effects | 1 | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain | 2 | Skin rash, hives, itching | 3 | Headache, dizziness | 4 | Hypersensitivity reactions (serious, potentially life-threatening, including anaphylaxis) | 5 | Allergic reactions | 6 | Liver dysfunction (rare) | 7 | Blood disorders (rare) |
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alternatives | |
contraindications | 1 | Known hypersensitivity or allergy to penicillin or any of its components | 2 | History of severe allergic reactions to other beta-lactam antibiotics or cephalosporins |
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interactions | 1 | Other antibiotics, which may decrease the effectiveness of Clavulanate | 2 | Drugs that reduce kidney function, needing careful dosage adjustment | 3 | Certain anticoagulants, possibly increasing the risk of bleeding. |
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warnings precautions | 1 | Patients with pre-existing liver or kidney disease should use caution. | 2 | Close monitoring of kidney and liver function may be required. | 3 | Monitor for signs of hypersensitivity reactions (rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing). | 4 | Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking. |
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additional informations | Clavulanate Potassium is not meant for long-term use unless prescribed by a doctor. It is necessary to follow the prescription instructions carefully. Treatment of an infection usually requires a course of a specified duration. |