Augmentin associated effects: Frequent, mild, and severe
Augmentin, a brand-name drug, is commonly used to treat certain bacterial infections. However, like many medications, it comes with potential side effects that users should be aware of.
Common side effects reported in clinical trials include diarrhea, nausea, skin rash, and vomiting. More uncommon but possible side effects include fatigue, headache, and itching.
Less common side effects, beyond the common diarrhea, nausea, and skin rash, include liver or kidney problems, which may manifest as abnormal liver function tests or reduced kidney function. Intestinal infections, such as drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome (DIES), can cause severe stomach or bowel problems including cramps, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, may present with itching, hives, swelling of face or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing. Mouth sores or mucocutaneous candidiasis (fungal infection in the mouth or mucous membranes) can also occur.
Dizziness or fits/seizures can impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. Serious skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), or DRESS syndrome (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms), may also develop.
Other symptoms like black, tarry stools, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, chest pain, fever, joint or muscle pain, red or irritated eyes, swollen glands, unusual bleeding or bruising, and unusual tiredness or weakness may indicate serious adverse effects requiring immediate medical attention.
Due to these potential serious but rare effects, regular monitoring of liver function and close medical supervision are recommended during Augmentin therapy, especially in patients with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions or known drug allergies. If any severe or unusual symptoms develop, patients should seek urgent medical advice.
It's important to note that Augmentin comes in two forms: oral tablets and oral suspensions (a type of liquid mixture). If you have phenylketonuria, some forms of Augmentin contain an ingredient called phenylalanine.
If you have kidney problems, high doses of Augmentin may increase the risk of seizures. If a child takes Augmentin, they may experience tooth discoloration. An intestinal infection due to the bacteria Clostridioides difficile was reported in clinical trials of Augmentin.
It's not known whether it's safe to take Augmentin while you're pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, you may need medical treatment for this condition while taking Augmentin.
In clinical trials, diarrhea was a commonly reported side effect of the 875-mg/125-mg strength of Augmentin. If you have mononucleosis, you may have an increased risk of developing a skin rash while taking Augmentin.
Taking Augmentin when you do not have a bacterial infection may cause bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotic. It's not known how alcohol interacts with Augmentin, but drinking alcohol may increase your risk of certain side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and liver problems.
As with any medication, it's crucial to discuss potential side effects and precautions with your healthcare provider before starting treatment with Augmentin. If you experience any severe or unusual symptoms while taking Augmentin, seek immediate medical attention.
- In addition to common side effects like diarrhea and nausea, less common adverse effects of Augmentin may include macular degeneration, a type of eye disease that can cause vision loss.
- Patients with pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, type 2, obesity, COPD, asthma, or dry eye (macular degeneration), should be especially vigilant about potential side effects during Augmentin therapy.
- Augmentin may also contribute to the development or worsening of depression, a predictive medical condition that affects mental health and wellness.
- Some rare but significant side effects of Augmentin may include liver or kidney problems, which can be detected through abnormal liver function tests or reduced kidney function, a concern for patients with existing kidney conditions.
- Beyond the common side effects, therapies and treatments may be necessary for more severe complications, such as drug-induced enterocolitis syndrome (DIES), severe allergic reactions, or Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a condition that causes skin degeneration.
- Augmentin's potential side effects emphasize the importance of regular medical supervision during therapy, especially for individuals diagnosed with multiple medical conditions, such as health and wellness issues like diabetes, obesity, or COPD.
- Given Augmentin's possible interactions with certain medical conditions and side effects, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider about potential risks before beginning treatment.
