Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid

Question 1

Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid MOA

Answer 1

• Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is a beta-lactam antibiotic with broad activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. It also has some activity against anaerobic bacteria, particularly those from the mouth.
• Amoxicillin is the active ingredient and is part of the penicillin class of antibiotics. Amoxicillin inhibits production of the bacterial cell wall, causing
bacteria to die.
• Many bacteria are resistant to amoxicillin due to their ability to produce beta-lactamase (an enzyme) which destroys the active part of beta-lactam antibiotics. Clavulanic acid inhibits the beta-lactamase enzyme and has no direct antibacterial action.

Question 2

Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid Indications

Answer 2

Sepsis and:
- The patient is aged greater than or equal to 12 years, and
- One or more high risk factors are present, and
- Time to hospital is greater than 30 minutes.
Cellulitis. In this setting a single IV dose may be administered if the patient is
being referred to primary care and there may be a delay in the patient seeing a
doctor.

Question 3

Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid Contraindications

Answer 3

Known severe allergy.
Known severe allergy to penicillins. Up to 10% of the population claim to have a penicillin allergy, but only approximately 1% will have a clinically significant
allergy. Unless the allergy is clearly severe, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid should be administered.
Anaphylaxis to any beta-lactam antibiotic, for example penicillins or cephalosporins.

Question 4

Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid Cautions

Answer 4

None

Question 5

Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid Use in pregnancy/breastfeeding

Answer 5

Safe and should be administered if indicated.

Question 6

Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid Dose

Answer 6

1.2g

Question 7

Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid Administration

Answer 7

Dissolve 1.2 g using approximately 4 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride and dilute to a total of 10 ml.
• Administer IV over 1-2 minutes, preferably into a running IV line.
• Do not administer IM if IV access cannot be obtained.

Question 8

Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid Common adverse effects

Answer 8

None

Question 9

Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid Additional Information

Answer 9

Rash is common with penicillin antibiotics and is not a contraindication.
• Diarrhoea and/or vaginal candidiasis (thrush) is common following a course of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and is due to an antibiotic effect on the bacterial
flora within the bowel and vagina. This is not an allergy.
• Seek clinical advice if the patient is aged less than 12 years.