New Augmentin® BID formulations have been marketed and selected TID products will be discontinued. As of January 1, 1997 the KU pharmacy will only stock BID preparations and the 125mg/5ml suspension (for use in neonates, infants < 12weeks (3months) old, and phenylketonuric patients). The following products will be discontinued by the manufacturer: 250mg/5ml Suspension , 125mg Chewable Tablets, 250mg Chewable Tablets, 250mg Tablets.
Formulations |
Intended use (also refer to dosing chart) |
| 125mg/5ml TID Suspension (125mg-Amoxicillin, 31.25mg-Clavulanic Acid) |
-Does not contain Aspartame -May be dosed in neonates < 2 weeks old -May be used in phenylketonuria (PKU) patients and neonates |
| 200mg/5ml BID Suspension (250mg-Amoxicillin, 28.5mg-Clavulanic Acid) 400mg/5ml BID Suspension |
-Contains Aspartame -BID dosing -Not for PKU patients |
| 500mg Tablets for BID administration (500mg-Amoxicillin, 125mg-Clavulanic Acid) |
-BID dosing for less severe infections in adults and children > 40kg |
| 875mg Tablets for BID administration (875mg-Amoxicillin, 125mg-Clavulanic Acid) |
-BID dosing for severe infections in adults and children > 40kg |
| 200mg BID Chewable Tablets (available only for Outpatients) |
-Practical for 25mg/kg/day (amoxicillin) divided Q12 hours in less severe infections |
| 400mg BID Chewable Tablets (available only for Outpatients) |
-Practical for 45mg/kg/day (amoxicillin) divided Q12 hours in more severe infections |
Indications and Usage:
Augmentin® possesses the distinctive properties of a broad-spectrum antibiotic
(amoxicillin) and a beta-lactamase inhibitor (clavulanic acid) and is indicated in the
treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms in the
conditions listed below:
-LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS-caused by beta-lactamase-producing strains of Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella (Branhamella)catarrhalis.
-OTITIS MEDIA-caused by beta-lactamase-producing strains of Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella(Branhamella) catarrhalis.
-SINUSITIS-caused by beta-lactamase-producing strains of Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis.
-SKIN AND SKIN STRUCTURE INFECTIONS-caused by beta-lactamase-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp.
-URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS-caused by beta-lactamase-producing strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacter spp.
Patient age |
Less severe infections |
Otitis media, sinusitis, lower resp. tract infections, and more severe infections |
| Neonates and Infants < 12 weeks (3months) | AugmentinR 30mg/kg/day (amoxicillin) divided every 12 hours. Use of 125mg/5ml suspension is recommended due to lack of experience with use of 200mg/5ml formulation in this age group and the absence of aspartame (contraindicated in PKU) | |
| 12 Weeks and older <40kg | 25mg/kg/day (amoxicillin) divided Q12H for the 200mg/5ml and 400mg/5ml formulations. Or 20mg/kg/day (amoxicillin ) divided Q8H for the 125mg/5ml formulation |
45mg/kg/day (amoxicillin) divided Q12H for the 200mg/5ml and 400mg/5ml formulations. Or 40mg/kg/day (amoxicillin) divided Q8H for the 125mg/5ml formulation |
| Adults and children >40kg | 500mg every 12 hours | 875mg every 12 hours |
Therapeutic substitution is the exchange of one therapeutically equivalent agent for another in order to limit the number of equivalent agents on the formulary. This substitution entails a change within the same pharmacological or therapeutic class. Equivalent products are selected by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and approved by the Executive Committee of the Medical Staff. Currently there are two approved therapeutic substitutions at KUMC. Lansoprazole (Prevacid®) is substituted for omeprazole (Prilosec®) orders and cephalexin (Keflex®) is substituted for cephradine (Velosef®) orders. When an automatic therapeutic substitution occurs, Clinical Pharmacists write orders to DC the non-formulary agent and to begin therapy with the approved agent per approval of the Medical Staff Executive Committee as well as a progress note to inform health care providers of the change.
