Co-amoxiclav
Also known as: Augmentin
What it's for
Co-amoxiclav is a strong antibiotic combining amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. It treats infections that amoxicillin alone cannot, including skin, chest, urine, and dental infections.
Comes as: Tablets or liquid
How to take it
- Adults: Usually 375mg or 625mg, 3 times daily.
- Take at the start of meals to reduce stomach upset.
- Complete the full course as prescribed.
- Space doses evenly through the day.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Diarrhoea (common)
- Feeling sick
- Thrush (yeast infection)
- Skin rash
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin
- Can cause liver problems - report any yellowing of skin
- Take with food to reduce stomach upset
- May affect contraceptive pill - use extra precautions
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have yellowing of your skin or eyes
- You have severe diarrhoea or blood in your stool
- You have a severe skin rash or blistering
- You have swelling of your face or difficulty breathing
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.