AMOXICILLIN AND CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM TABLETS USP, (CHEWABLE)
2270
2272

Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets USP (chewable) are an oral antibacterial combination consisting of the semisynthetic antibiotic amoxicillin and the b-lactamase inhibitor clavulanate potassium (the potassium salt of clavulanic acid). Amoxicillin is an analog of ampicillin, derived from the basic penicillin nucleus, 6-aminopenicillanic acid. Chemically, amoxicillin is (2S,5R,6R)-6-[(R)-(-)-2-amino-2-(p-hydroxyphenyl)acetamido]-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic acid trihydrate and may be represented structurally as:

C₁₆H₁₉N₃O₅S·3H₂O M.W. 419.46

Clavulanic acid is produced by the fermentation of Streptomyces clavuligerus. It is a ß-lactam structurally related to the penicillins and possesses the ability to inactivate a wide variety of -lactamases by blocking the active sites of these enzymes. Clavulanic acid is particularly active against the clinically important plasmid-mediated ß-lactamases frequently responsible for transferred drug resistance to penicillins and cephalosporins. Chemically, clavulanate potassium is potassium (Z)-(2R,5R)-3-(2-hydroxyethylidene)-7-oxo-4-oxa-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]-heptane-2-carboxylate and may be represented structurally as:

C₈H₈KNO₅ M.W. 237.25

Each chewable tablet contains 200 mg amoxicillin as the trihydrate and 28.5 mg clavulanic acid as the potassium salt or contains 400 mg amoxicillin as the trihydrate and 57 mg clavulanic acid as the potassium salt. Each amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablet USP, (chewable) 200 mg/28.5 mg contains 0.14 mEq potassium. Each amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablet USP, (chewable) 400 mg/57 mg contains 0.29 mEq potassium.

Inactive Ingredients: aspartame*,colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C Red #40 aluminum lake, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, SA84 artificial ripe banana flavor, and S.D. artificial cherry flavor.

Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium are well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Dosing in the fasted or fed state has minimal effect on the pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin. While amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium can be given without regard to meals, absorption of clavulanate potassium when taken with food is greater relative to the fasted state. In 1 study, the relative bioavailability of clavulanate was reduced when amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium was dosed at 30 and 150 minutes after the start of a high fat breakfast. The safety and efficacy of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium have been established in clinical trials where amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium was taken without regard to meals.

Oral administration of single doses of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumchewable tablets, 400 mg/57 mg and 400 mg/57 mg per 5 mL suspension to 28 adult volunteers yielded comparable pharmacokinetic data:

Oral administration of 5 mL of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumoral suspension, 250 mg/62.5 mg per 5 mL or the equivalent dose of 10 mL amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumoral suspension, 125 mg/31.25 mg per 5 mL provides average peak serum concentrations approximately 1 hour after dosing of 6.9 mcg/mL for amoxicillin and 1.6 mcg/mL for clavulanic acid. The areas under the serum concentration curves obtained during the first 4 hours after dosing were 12.6 mcg.hr/mL for amoxicillin and 2.9 mcg.hr/mL for clavulanic acid when 5 mL of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumoral suspension, 250 mg/62.5 mg per 5 mL or equivalent dose of 10 mL of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium oral suspension, 125 mg/31.25 mg per 5 mL was administered to adult volunteers. One amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumchewable tablet, 250 mg/62.5 mg or 2 amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumchewable tablets, 125 mg/31.25 mg are equivalent to 5 mL of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumoral suspension, 250 mg/62.5 mg per 5 mL and provide similar serum levels of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.

Amoxicillin serum concentrations achieved with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumare similar to those produced by the oral administration of equivalent doses of amoxicillin alone. The half-life of amoxicillin after the oral administration of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumis 1.3 hours and that of clavulanic acid is 1.0 hour. Time above the minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.0 mcg/mL for amoxicillin has been shown to be similar after corresponding q12h and q8h dosing regimens of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumin adults and children.

Approximately 50% to 70% of the amoxicillin and approximately 25% to 40% of the clavulanic acid are excreted unchanged in urine during the first 6 hours after administration of 10 mL of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumoral suspension, 250 mg/62.5 mg per 5 mL.

Concurrent administration of probenecid delays amoxicillin excretion but does not delay renal excretion of clavulanic acid.

Neither component in amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumis highly protein-bound; clavulanic acid has been found to be approximately 25% bound to human serum and amoxicillin approximately 18% bound.

Amoxicillin diffuses readily into most body tissues and fluids with the exception of the brain and spinal fluid. The results of experiments involving the administration of clavulanic acid to animals suggest that this compound, like amoxicillin, is well distributed in body tissues.

Two hours after oral administration of a single 35 mg/kg dose of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium oralsuspension to fasting children, average concentrations of 3.0 mcg/mL of amoxicillin and 0.5 mcg/mL of clavulanic acid were detected in middle ear effusions.

Amoxicillin is a semisynthetic antibiotic with a broad spectrum of bactericidal activity against many gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Amoxicillin is, however, susceptible to degradation by ß-lactamases, and therefore, the spectrum of activity does not include organisms which produce these enzymes. Clavulanic acid is a ß-lactam, structurally related to the penicillins, which possesses the ability to inactivate a wide range of ß-lactamase enzymes commonly found in microorganisms resistant to penicillins and cephalosporins. In particular, it has good activity against the clinically important plasmid mediated ß-lactamases frequently responsible for transferred drug resistance.

The formulation of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumprotects amoxicillin from degradation by ß-lactamase enzymes and effectively extends the antibiotic spectrum of amoxicillin to include many bacteria normally resistant to amoxicillin and other ß-lactam antibiotics. Thus, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumpossesses the distinctive properties of a broad-spectrum antibiotic and a ß-lactamase inhibitor.

Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid has been shown to be active against most strains of the following microorganisms, both in vitro and in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE.

Gram-Positive Aerobes

Staphylococcus aureus (ß-lactamase and non-ß-lactamase-producing)^§

Gram-Negative Aerobes

Enterobacter species (Although most strains of Enterobacter species are resistant in vitro, clinical efficacy has been demonstrated with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumin urinary tract infections caused by these organisms.)

Escherichia coli (ß-lactamase and non-ß-lactamase-producing)

Haemophilus influenzae (ß-lactamase and non-ß-lactamase-producing)

Klebsiella species (All known strains are ß-lactamase-producing.)

Moraxella catarrhalis (ß-lactamase and non-ß-lactamase-producing)

The following in vitro data are available, but their clinical significance is unknown.

Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid exhibits in vitro minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 2 mcg/mL or less against most (≥ 90%) strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae^||; MICs of 0.06 mcg/mL or less against most (≥ 90%) strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae; MICs of 4 mcg/mL or less against most (≥ 90%) strains of staphylococci and anaerobic bacteria; and MICs of 8 mcg/mL or less against most (≥ 90%) strains of other uled organisms. However, with the exception of organisms shown to respond to amoxicillin alone, the safety and effectiveness of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid in treating clinical infections due to these microorganisms have not been established in adequate and well-controlled clinical trials.

Gram-Positive Aerobes

Enterococcus faecalis^¶

Staphylococcus epidermidis (ß-lactamase and non-ß-lactamase-producing)

Staphylococcus saprophyticus (ß-lactamase and non-ß-lactamase-producing)

Streptococcus pneumoniae^¶**

Streptococcus pyogenes^¶**

viridans group Streptococcus^¶**

Gram-Negative Aerobes

Eikenella corrodens (ß-lactamase and non-ß-lactamase-producing)

Neisseria gonorrhoeae^¶ (ß-lactamase and non-ß-lactamase-producing)

Proteus mirabilis^¶ (ß-lactamase and non-ß-lactamase-producing)

Anaerobic Bacteria

Bacteroides species, including Bacteroides fragilis (ß-lactamase and non-ß-lactamase-producing)

Fusobacterium species (ß-lactamase and non-ß-lactamase-producing)

Peptostreptococcus species^**

Susceptibility Testing

Dilution Techniques

Quantitative methods are used to determine antimicrobial MICs. These MICs provide estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The MICs should be determined using a standardized procedure. Standardized procedures are based on a dilution method¹ (broth or agar) or equivalent with standardized inoculum concentrations and standardized concentrations of amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium powder.

The recommended dilution pattern utilizes a constant amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium ratio of 2 to 1 in all tubes with varying amounts of amoxicillin. MICs are expressed in terms of the amoxicillin concentration in the presence of clavulanic acid at a constant 2 parts amoxicillin to 1 part clavulanic acid. The MIC values should be interpreted according to the following criteria: RECOMMENDED RANGES FOR AMOXICILLIN/CLAVULANIC ACID SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING

For S. pneumoniae from non-meningitis sources: Isolates should be tested using amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and the following criteria should be used:

Note: These interpretive criteria are based on the recommended doses for respiratory tract infections.

A report of “Susceptible” indicates that the pathogen is likely to be inhibited if the antimicrobial compound in the blood reaches the concentration usually achievable. A report of “Intermediate” indicates that the result should be considered equivocal, and, if the microorganism is not fully susceptible to alternative, clinically feasible drugs, the test should be repeated. This category implies possible clinical applicability in body sites where the drug is physiologically concentrated or in situations where high dosage of drug can be used. This category also provides a buffer zone that prevents small uncontrolled technical factors from causing major discrepancies in interpretation. A report of “Resistant” indicates that the pathogen is not likely to be inhibited if the antimicrobial compound in the blood reaches the concentrations usually achievable; other therapy should be selected.

Standardized susceptibility test procedures require the use of laboratory control microorganisms to control the technical aspects of the laboratory procedures. Standard amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium powder should provide the following MIC values:

Diffusion Techniques

Quantitative methods that require measurement of zone diameters also provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. One such standardized procedure² requires the use of standardized inoculum concentrations. This procedure uses paper disks impregnated with 30 mcg of amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium (20 mcg amoxicillin plus 10 mcg clavulanate potassium) to test the susceptibility of microorganisms to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid.

Reports from the laboratory providing results of the standard single-disk susceptibility test with a 30 mcg amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium (20 mcg amoxicillin plus 10 mcg clavulanate potassium) disk should be interpreted according to the following criteria:

RECOMMENDED RANGES FOR AMOXICILLIN/CLAVULANIC ACID SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING

Interpretation should be as stated above for results using dilution techniques. Interpretation involves correlation of the diameter obtained in the disk test with the MIC for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid.

As with standardized dilution techniques, diffusion methods require the use of laboratory control microorganisms that are used to control the technical aspects of the laboratory procedures. For the diffusion technique, the 30 mcg amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium (20 mcg amoxicillin plus 10 mcg clavulanate potassium) disk should provide the following zone diameters in these laboratory quality control strains:

Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumchewable tablets are indicated in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms in the conditions uled below:

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Caused by ß-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis.

Otitis Media

Caused by ß-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis.

Sinusitis

Caused by ß-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis.

Skin and Skin Structure Infections

Caused by ß-lactamase-producing strains of S. aureus, E. coli, and Klebsiella spp.

Urinary Tract Infections

Caused by ß-lactamase-producing strains of E. coli, Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacter spp.

While amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium chewable tabletsare indicated only for the conditions uled above, infections caused by ampicillin-susceptible organisms are also amenable to treatment with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium chewable tabletsdue to its amoxicillin span. Therefore, mixed infections caused by ampicillin-susceptible organisms and ß-lactamase-producing organisms susceptible to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium chewable tabletsshould not require the addition of another antibiotic. Because amoxicillin has greater in vitro activity against S. pneumoniae than does ampicillin or penicillin, the majority of S. pneumoniae strains with intermediate susceptibility to ampicillin or penicillin are fully susceptible to amoxicillin and amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium chewable tablets. (See Microbiology.)

To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumchewable tablets and other antibacterial drugs, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumchewable tablets should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

Bacteriological studies, to determine the causative organisms and their susceptibility to amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium chewable tablets, should be performed together with any indicated surgical procedures.

Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium chewable tabletsare contraindicated in patients with a history of allergic reactions to any penicillin. It is also contraindicated in patients with a previous history of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium-associated cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction.

SERIOUS AND OCCASIONALLY FATAL HYPERSENSITIVITY (ANAPHYLACTIC) REACTIONS HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN PATIENTS ON PENICILLIN THERAPY. THESE REACTIONS ARE MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN INDIVIDUALS WITH A HISTORY OF PENICILLIN HYPERSENSITIVITY AND/OR A HISTORY OF SENSITIVITY TO MULTIPLE ALLERGENS. THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH A HISTORY OF PENICILLIN HYPERSENSITIVITY WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERE REACTIONS WHEN TREATED WITH CEPHALOSPORINS. BEFORE INITIATING THERAPY WITH AMOXICILLIN AND CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM, CAREFUL INQUIRY SHOULD BE MADE CONCERNING PREVIOUS HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO PENICILLINS, CEPHALOSPORINS, OR OTHER ALLERGENS. IF AN ALLERGIC REACTION OCCURS, AMOXICILLIN AND CLAVULANATE POTASSIUM SHOULD BE DISCONTINUED AND THE APPROPRIATE THERAPY INSTITUTED. SERIOUS ANAPHYLACTIC REACTIONS REQUIRE IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY TREATMENT WITH EPINEPHRINE. OXYGEN, INTRAVENOUS STEROIDS AND AIRWAY MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING INTUBATION, SHOULD ALSO BE ADMINISTERED AS INDICATED.

Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, and has ranged in severity from mild to life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhea subsequent to the administration of antibacterial agents.

Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon and may permit overgrowth of clostridia. Studies indicate that a toxin produced by Clostridium difficile is one primary cause of “antibiotic-associated colitis.”

After the diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis has been established, appropriate therapeutic measures should be initiated. Mild cases of pseudomembranous colitis usually respond to drug discontinuation alone. In moderate to severe cases, consideration should be given to management with fluids and electrolytes, protein supplementation, and treatment with an antibacterial drug clinically effective against C. difficile colitis.

Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumshould be used with caution in patients with evidence of hepatic dysfunction. Hepatic toxicity associated with the use of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumis usually reversible. On rare occasions, deaths have been reported (less than 1 death reported per estimated 4 million prescriptions worldwide). These have generally been cases associated with serious underlying diseases or concomitant medications. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS, Liver.)

While amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumpossesses the characteristic low toxicity of the penicillin group of antibiotics, periodic assessment of organ system functions, including renal, hepatic, and hematopoietic function, is advisable during prolonged therapy.

A high percentage of patients with mononucleosis who receive ampicillin develop an erythematous skin rash. Thus, ampicillin-class antibiotics should not be administered to patients with mononucleosis.

The possibility of superinfections with mycotic or bacterial pathogens should be kept in mind during therapy. If superinfections occur (usually involving Pseudomonas or Candida), the drug should be discontinued and/or appropriate therapy instituted.

Prescribing amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium chewable tablets in the absence of a proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiummay be taken every 8 hours or every 12 hours, depending on the strength of the product prescribed. Each dose should be taken with a meal or snack to reduce the possibility of gastrointestinal upset. Many antibiotics can cause diarrhea. If diarrhea is severe or lasts more than 2 or 3 days, call your doctor.

Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium chewable tablets, should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium chewable tablets are prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may: (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment, and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium chewable tablets or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

Probenecid decreases the renal tubular secretion of amoxicillin. Concurrent use with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiummay result in increased and prolonged blood levels of amoxicillin. Coadministration of probenecid cannot be recommended.

The concurrent administration of allopurinol and ampicillin increases substantially the incidence of rashes in patients receiving both drugs as compared to patients receiving ampicillin alone. It is not known whether this potentiation of ampicillin rashes is due to allopurinol or the hyperuricemia present in these patients. There are no data with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumand allopurinol administered concurrently.

In common with other broad-spectrum antibiotics, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiummay reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives.

Oral administration of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumwill result in high urine concentrations of amoxicillin. High urine concentrations of ampicillin may result in false-positive reactions when testing for the presence of glucose in urine using CLINITEST^®, Benedict’s Solution, or Fehling’s Solution. Since this effect may also occur with amoxicillin and therefore amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, it is recommended that glucose tests based on enzymatic glucose oxidase reactions (such as CLINISTIX^®) be used.

Following administration of ampicillin to pregnant women, a transient decrease in plasma concentration of total conjugated estriol, estriol-glucuronide, conjugated estrone, and estradiol has been noted. This effect may also occur with amoxicillin and therefore amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium.

Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential.

Oral ampicillin-class antibiotics are generally poorly absorbed during labor. Studies in guinea pigs have shown that intravenous administration of ampicillin decreased the uterine tone, frequency of contractions, height of contractions, and duration of contractions. However, it is not known whether the use of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumin humans during labor or delivery has immediate or delayed adverse effects on the fetus, prolongs the duration of labor, or increases the likelihood that forceps delivery or other obstetrical intervention or resuscitation of the newborn will be necessary. In a single study in women with premature rupture of fetal membranes, it was reported that prophylactic treatment with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiummay be associated with an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates.

Ampicillin-class antibiotics are excreted in the milk; therefore, caution should be exercised when amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumis administered to a nursing woman.

Because of incompletely developed renal function in neonates and young infants, the elimination of amoxicillin may be delayed. Dosing of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumshould be modified in pediatric patients younger than 12 weeks (3 months). (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Pediatric.)

Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumis generally well tolerated. The majority of side effects observed in clinical trials were of a mild and transient nature and less than 3% of patients discontinued therapy because of drug-related side effects. From the original premarketing studies, where both pediatric and adult patients were enrolled, the most frequently reported adverse effects were diarrhea/loose stools (9%), nausea (3%), skin rashes and urticaria (3%), vomiting (1%) and vaginitis (1%). The overall incidence of side effects, and in particular diarrhea, increased with the higher recommended dose. Other less frequently reported reactions include: Abdominal discomfort, flatulence, and headache.

In pediatric patients (aged 2 months to 12 years), 1 U.S./Canadian clinical trial was conducted which compared amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium45 mg/6.4 mg/kg/day (divided q12h) for 10 days versus amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium40 mg/10 mg/kg/day (divided q8h) for 10 days in the treatment of acute otitis media. A total of 575 patients were enrolled, and only the suspension formulations were used in this trial. Overall, the adverse event profile seen was comparable to that noted above; however, there were differences in the rates of diarrhea, skin rashes/urticaria, and diaper area rashes. (See CLINICAL STUDIES.)

The following adverse reactions have been reported for ampicillin class antibiotics:

Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, gastritis, stomatitis, glossitis, black “hairy” tongue, mucocutaneous candidiasis, enterocolitis, and hemorrhagic/pseudomembranous colitis. Onset of pseudomembranous colitis symptoms may occur during or after antibiotic treatment. (See WARNINGS.)

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Skin rashes, pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, serum sickness-like reactions (urticaria or skin rash accompanied by arthritis, arthralgia, myalgia, and frequently fever), erythema multiforme (rarely Stevens-Johnson syndrome), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis and an occasional case of exfoliative dermatitis (including toxic epidermal necrolysis) have been reported. These reactions may be controlled with antihistamines and, if necessary, systemic corticosteroids. Whenever such reactions occur, the drug should be discontinued, unless the opinion of the physician dictates otherwise. Serious and occasional fatal hypersensitivity (anaphylactic) reactions can occur with oral penicillin. (See WARNINGS.)

Liver: A moderate rise in AST (SGOT) and/or ALT (SGPT) has been noted in patients treated with ampicillin-class antibiotics, but the significance of these findings is unknown. Hepatic dysfunction, including increases in serum transaminases (AST and/or ALT), serum bilirubin and/or alkaline phosphatase, has been infrequently reported with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. It has been reported more commonly in the elderly, in males, or in patients on prolonged treatment. The histologic findings on liver biopsy have consisted of predominantly cholestatic, hepatocellular, or mixed cholestatic-hepatocellular changes. The onset of signs/symptoms of hepatic dysfunction may occur during or several weeks after therapy has been discontinued. The hepatic dysfunction, which may be severe, is usually reversible. On rare occasions, deaths have been reported (less than 1 death reported per estimated 4 million prescriptions worldwide). These have generally been cases associated with serious underlying diseases or concomitant medications.

Renal: Interstitial nephritis and hematuria have been reported rarely. Crystalluria has also been reported (see OVERDOSAGE).

Hemic and Lymphatic Systems: Anemia, including hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, eosinophilia, leukopenia, and agranulocytosis have been reported during therapy with penicillins. These reactions are usually reversible on discontinuation of therapy and are believed to be hypersensitivity phenomena. A slight thrombocytosis was noted in less than 1% of the patients treated with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. There have been reports of increased prothrombin time in patients receiving amoxicillin and clavulanate potassiumand anticoagulant therapy concomitantly.

Central Nervous System: Agitation, anxiety, behavioral changes, confusion, convulsions, dizziness, insomnia, and reversible hyperactivity have been reported rarely.

Miscellaneous: Tooth discoloration (brown, yellow, or gray staining) has been reported. Most reports occurred in pediatric patients. Discoloration was reduced or eliminated with brushing or dental cleaning in most cases.

Following overdosage, patients have experienced primarily gastrointestinal symptoms including stomach and abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rash, hyperactivity, or drowsiness have also been observed in a small number of patients.

In the case of overdosage, discontinue amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, treat symptomatically, and institute supportive measures as required. If the overdosage is very recent and there is no contraindication, an attempt at emesis or other means of removal of drug from the stomach may be performed. A prospective study of 51 pediatric patients at a poison center suggested that overdosages of less than 250 mg/kg of amoxicillin are not associated with significant clinical symptoms and do not require gastric emptying.³

Interstitial nephritis resulting in oliguric renal failure has been reported in a small number of patients after overdosage with amoxicillin.

Crystalluria, in some cases leading to renal failure, has also been reported after amoxicillin overdosage in adult and pediatric patients. In case of overdosage, adequate fluid intake and diuresis should be maintained to reduce the risk of amoxicillin crystalluria.

Renal impairment appears to be reversible with cessation of drug administration. High blood levels may occur more readily in patients with impaired renal function because of decreased renal clearance of both amoxicillin and clavulanate. Both amoxicillin and clavulanate are removed from the circulation by hemodialysis.

Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium chewable tabletsmay be taken without regard to meals; however, absorption of clavulanate potassium is enhanced when amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium chewable tablets are administered at the start of a meal. To minimize the potential for gastrointestinal intolerance, amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium chewable tabletsshould be taken at the start of a meal.

Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets USP, (chewable) are available as follows:

200 mg/28.5 mg - mottled pink, oval, biconvex tablets, debossed with “93” on one side and “2270” on the other side in bottles of 20 tablets.

400 mg/57 mg - mottled pink, oval, biconvex tablets, debossed with “93” on one side and “2272” on the other side in bottles of 20 tablets.

Store at 20º to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP, with a child-resistant closure (as required).

In pediatric patients (aged 2 months to 12 years), 1 U.S./Canadian clinical trial was conducted which compared amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium45 mg/6.4 mg/kg/day (divided q12h) for 10 days versus amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium 40 mg/10 mg/kg/day (divided q8h) for 10 days in the treatment of acute otitis media. Only the suspension formulations were used in this trial. A total of 575 patients were enrolled, with an even distribution among the two treatment groups and a comparable number of patients were evaluable (i.e., ≥ 84%) per treatment group. Strict otitis media-specific criteria were required for eligibility and a strong correlation was found at the end of therapy and follow-up between these criteria and physician assessment of clinical response. The clinical efficacy rates at the end of therapy visit (defined as 2 to 4 days after the completion of therapy) and at the follow-up visit (defined as 22 to 28 days post-completion of therapy) were comparable for the 2 treatment groups, with the following cure rates obtained for the evaluable patients: At end of therapy, 87.2% (n = 265) and 82.3% (n = 260) for 45 mg/kg/day q12h and 40 mg/kg/day q8h, respectively. At follow-up, 67.1% (n = 249) and 68.7% (n = 243) for 45 mg/kg/day q12h and 40 mg/kg/day q8h, respectively.

The incidence of diarrhea^††† was significantly lower in patients in the q12h treatment group compared to patients who received the q8h regimen (14.3% and 34.3%, respectively). In addition, the number of patients with either severe diarrhea or who were withdrawn with diarrhea was significantly lower in the q12h treatment group (3.1% and 7.6% for the q12h/10 day and q8h/10 day, respectively). In the q12h treatment group, 3 patients (1.0%) were withdrawn with an allergic reaction, while 1 patient (0.3%) in the q8h group was withdrawn for this reason. The number of patients with a candidal infection of the diaper area was 3.8% and 6.2% for the q12h and q8h groups, respectively.

It is not known if the finding of a statistically significant reduction in diarrhea with the oral suspensions dosed q12h, versus suspensions dosed q8h, can be extrapolated to the chewable tablets. The presence of mannitol in the chewable tablets may contribute to a different diarrhea profile. The q12h oral suspensions are sweetened with aspartame only.

• National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Methods for Dilution Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests for Bacteria That Grow Aerobically – Third Edition. Approved Standard NCCLS Document M7-A3, Vol. 13, No. 25. NCCLS, Villanova, PA, Dec. 1993.
• National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Performance Standard for Antimicrobial Disk Susceptibility Tests – Fifth Edition. Approved Standard NCCLS Document M2-A5, Vol. 13, No. 24. NCCLS, Villanova, PA, Dec. 1993.
• Swanson-Biearman B, Dean BS, Lopez G, Krenzelok EP. The effects of penicillin and cephalosporin ingestions in children less than six years of age. Vet Hum Toxicol 1988;30:66-67.