Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid

Question 1

Pharmacology and presentation of Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid?

Answer 1

1.2g
Broad spectrum beta-lac-tum AB, effective against gram -ve & +ve bacteria. Amoxicillin inhibits production of the bacterial cell wall resulting in bacterial death. Clavulanic acid inhibits the beta-lac-tum-aze (enzyme) produced by bacteria to break down amoxicillin

Question 2

Indicators of Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid?

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

Contraindications of Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid?

Answer 3

• Known severe allergy.
• Known severe allergy to penicillin’s.
• Anaphylaxis to any beta-lactam antibiotic, for example penicillin’s or cephalosporins.

Question 4

Cautions of Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid?

Answer 4

• None

Question 5

Side Effects of Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid?

Answer 5

• None

Question 6

Dosing Regimes of Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid?

Answer 6

Adults
- 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.
- Nil repeats

Pediatrics
- Consult

Question 7

Onset and duration of Amoxicillin/Clavulanic Acid?

Answer 7

Onset:
- 30-60 minutes

Duration
- 6-8 hours