Description
Pharmacology
Pharmacokinetics: –
Absorption: – Dosing in the fasted or fed state has minimal effect on the pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin. While amoxicillin/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 one study, the relative bioavailability of clavulanate was reduced when amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium was dosed after eating something.
Distribution: – Component in amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium is highly protein-bound; clavulanic acid is 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.
Metabolism and Excretion: – The half-life of amoxicillin after the oral administration of amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium is 1.3 hours and that of clavulanic acid is 1 hour.
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 a single 250 mg/125 mg or 500 mg/125 mg tablet of amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium.
Indications: – Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is a penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
