Co-Amoxiclav

Please note: This is for information only.

Refer to local guidelines for treatment recommendations

 

Co-Amoxiclav = amoxicillin + clavulanic acid.

Amoxicillin:

  • A penicillin

Clavulanic acid:

  • A ß-lactamase inhibitor which irreversibly inactivates the enzyme.
  • ‘Protects’ the penicillin from the destructive effects of ß-lactamase

Co-amoxiclav:

  • The combination is bactericidal.
  • Usual adult dose: 375mg – 625mg orally or 1.2g iv three times a day
  • Dose adjustment necessary if renal impairment
  • May cause hepatic dysfunction therefore monitor LFTs.
  • Moderate risk of Clostridium difficile antibiotic-associated diarrhoea if prescribed for elderly in-patients

Main indications:

  • Bites: animal or human
  • UTI
  • Acute Bronchitis
  • Diabetic ulcers
  • Biliary Sepsis
  • Surgical prophylaxis

Active against most strains of:

  • Staphylococcus aureus (not MRSA)
  • Haemolytic streptococci
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Haemophilus influenzae
  • Escherichia coli
  • Anaerobes
  • Enterococcus faecalis
  • Moraxella
  • Klebsiella

Not active against most strains of:

  • MRSA
  • Clostridium difficile
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Enterococcus faecium (amoxicillin –resistant)