Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium) is a prescription drug taken to treat certain types of bacterial infection. The drug comes as an oral liquid suspension and oral tablet. It’s usually taken two or three times daily.
Augmentin is prescribed for adults and certain children to treat many types of bacterial infection, such as:
- lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia or bronchitis
- ear infections
- sinus infections
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- skin infections
The active ingredients in Augmentin are amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Clavulanate potassium is a form of clavulanic acid. Augmentin belongs to a group of drugs called penicillin antibiotics.
This article describes the dosages of Augmentin, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Augmentin, see this in-depth article.
The chart below highlights the basics of Augmentin’s dosage for adults. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg) of amoxicillin. Your doctor will determine how many days you’ll take Augmentin, based on the severity of your condition and other factors.
| Use | Usual dosage |
|---|---|
| more severe infection or respiratory infection | 875 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours |
| less severe infection | 500 mg every 12 hours |
Please note: Augmentin is prescribed for a range of bacterial infections. The chart above does not list all possible dosages. Your doctor will prescribe the dose and duration that’s right for you.
Keep reading for more details about Augmentin’s dosage.
What are Augmentin’s forms?
Augmentin is available as an oral tablet and an oral suspension (a type of liquid mixture).
What strengths does Augmentin come in?
All strengths below are listed in mg of amoxicillin/mg of clavulanic potassium:
- Augmentin oral tablets come in one strength of 875 mg/125 mg.*
- Augmentin oral suspension comes in three strengths:
- 125 mg/31.25 mg per 5 milliliters (mL)
- 250 mg/62.5 mg per 5 mL
- 600 mg/42.9 mg per 5 mL†
* Different strengths of Augmentin oral tablets (such as 625 mg) may also be available in countries other than the United States.
† This strength is marketed as Augmentin ES-600. It’s typically prescribed for children who meet certain criteria and have certain types of ear infections.
What are the usual dosages of Augmentin in adults?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. In some cases, your doctor may adjust your dosage from those shown below. Be sure to take the dosage they prescribe, as they’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for certain bacterial infections
Augmentin may be prescribed for certain bacterial infections, such as in your respiratory tract, ears, sinuses, skin, or urinary tract.
For more severe infection, the typical Augmentin dose for adults is 875 mg every 12 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours. For less severe infection, the typical Augmentin dose for adults is 500 mg every 12 hours.
Augmentin is typically prescribed for 5 to 14 days for most infections. But how many days you’ll take this drug depends on the severity of your infection and other factors. Your doctor will decide how long you need to take Augmentin to effectively treat your infection.
What’s the dosage of Augmentin for children?
Augmentin is used to help treat certain bacterial infections in children.
A child’s dosage is based on:
- the severity of their infection
- their age
- their medical history
- other conditions they have
- their weight in kilograms (kg); 1 kg equals about 2.2 pounds
Below is a pediatric chart for Augmentin dosages based on prescribing information. Suspensions (a type of liquid mixture) are usually the preferred form for children, and taking a dose every 12 hours may cause less diarrhea.
Please note: All doses are given in mg of amoxicillin per kg of body weight (mg/kg).
| Child’s age | Condition | Recommended dose | Recommended dosage form |
|---|---|---|---|
| less than 12 weeks (3 months) | — | • 30 mg/kg per day divided into 2 doses (every 12 hours) | • 125 mg/5 mL |
| 12 weeks and older, weighing less than 40 kg | more severe infection* | • 45 mg/kg per day divided into 2 doses (every 12 hours), or • 40 mg/kg per day divided into 3 doses (every 8 hours) | • 125 mg/5 mL, or • 250 mg/5 mL |
| 12 weeks and older, weighing less than 40 kg | less severe infection | • 25 mg/kg per day divided into 2 doses (every 12 hours), or • 20 mg/kg per day divided into 3 doses (every 8 hours) | • 125 mg/5 mL, or • 250 mg/5 mL |
* This category also includes ear, sinus, and respiratory infections.
If a child weighs more than 40 kg, their dosage may be the same as the dosage for adults. To learn more, see the “What are the usual dosages of Augmentin in adults?” section above.
For more information about Augmentin’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
How to take Augmentin
Take Augmentin as you start eating a meal. This may help the drug absorb into your body more effectively and may also reduce stomach upset.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions about how to take Augmentin. You may start to feel better before you’ve finished your prescribed treatment course. But you should finish it to make sure your infection is properly treated. If you have questions about shortening your treatment course, talk with your doctor first.
You’ll likely take a dose of Augmentin two or three times daily. If you’re prescribed a twice-daily regimen, try to take one dose every 12 hours. If you’re prescribed a thrice-daily regimen, try to take one dose every 8 hours.
Augmentin is available as oral tablets and an oral suspension. If you or your child is prescribed the oral suspension form, the pharmacy will give you a measuring cup or syringe to take each dose. Do not use any household items, such as a tablespoon, to measure your doses.
Is Augmentin used long term?
Not usually. Augmentin is usually taken short term to treat certain bacterial infections. Talk with your doctor to learn more about how long you can expect to take Augmentin for your infection.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Augmentin’s dosage.
How many days will I take Augmentin 875 mg/125 mg tablets?
It largely depends on what kind of infection you have and how severe it is. For example, for most adults with a sinus infection, Augmentin is typically prescribed for 5 to 10 days. But your doctor may adjust your treatment based on how you respond to Augmentin or other factors.
How many days will I take Augmentin for a UTI?
It depends. Your urinary tract has several parts, including your kidneys and bladder. If you’re otherwise healthy and have a bladder infection, your doctor may prescribe 3 to 7 days of Augmentin. But if you have a kidney infection, you may be prescribed a longer course of treatment, which is typically 10 to 14 days.
Do not take more Augmentin than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- abdominal pain
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- skin rash
- sleepiness
- hyperactivity
- kidney problems
What to do in case you take too much Augmentin
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Augmentin. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.