Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) is a prescription drug used for certain bacterial infections, such as ear infections and urinary tract infections. It may be safe to take Augmentin while pregnant, and it’s likely safe to take while breastfeeding.

If you can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Augmentin is a safe option for you.

Whether it’s safe to take Augmentin during pregnancy isn’t fully understood. Doctors may prescribe Augmentin to someone who is pregnant if there’s a clear need, such as no other options for treating the infection.

If you have questions about using Augmentin during pregnancy, talk with your doctor.

If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to understand the effects Augmentin could have on you or your child.

It’s generally considered safe to take Augmentin while breastfeeding. But small amounts of Augmentin can pass into breast milk, which may cause mild side effects in a child who is breastfed. These side effects can include restlessness or diarrhea.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, let your doctor know before starting Augmentin treatment. They can discuss your options with you.

If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, it’s important to consider how Augmentin could affect your birth control needs.

Augmentin can make certain birth control pills that contain estrogen and progesterone less effective. But it’s important to note that the research on this interaction is inconsistent and controversial.

Examples of these combination birth control pills include:

  • drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Yaz)
  • levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Seasonique)
  • norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol, ethinyl estradiol, ferrous fumarate (Lo Loestrin Fe)

While you’re taking Augmentin, consider using another form of birth control, such as condoms, in addition to your birth control pills. Your doctor or pharmacist can discuss other birth control options with you.

The sections above describe the reproductive health information provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor prescribes Augmentin for you, they can provide more details.

Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor include:

  • Can you prescribe other drugs to treat my infection that are safer to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
  • What should I do if I become pregnant while taking Augmentin?
  • How will we determine whether the benefit of taking Augmentin during pregnancy outweighs the potential risks?

To learn more about Augmentin, see these articles:

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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.