Amoxicillin clavulanate 1g tablets combine 875mg amoxicillin with 125mg clavulanic acid in a potent antibiotic formulation. This 7:1 ratio provides extended coverage against beta-lactamase producing bacteria while maintaining amoxicillin's effectiveness. The high-dose tablets are particularly effective for resistant respiratory infections, complicated UTIs, and skin/soft tissue infections. With peak serum concentrations achieved within 1.5 hours, this formulation offers rapid action against susceptible organisms. The tablets are film-coated for easier swallowing and reduced gastrointestinal irritation compared to lower-strength formulations.
The 1g tablets are first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe bacterial sinusitis, pneumonia, and animal bite wounds. They demonstrate 90% efficacy against complicated urinary tract infections caused by resistant E. coli strains. Dental professionals prescribe them for severe odontogenic infections with suspected anaerobic involvement. The high amoxicillin dose makes these tablets particularly valuable for treating penicillin-resistant pneumococcal infections. Recent IDSA guidelines recommend this strength for diabetic foot infections without osteomyelitis. The clavulanate component extends coverage to include Staphylococcus aureus and Bacteroides fragilis.
Standard adult dosing is one 1g tablet every 12 hours for 7-14 days. For severe infections like pneumonia, the same dose every 8 hours may be used. Take at the start of a meal to enhance absorption and minimize GI upset. Do not crush or chew - swallow whole with water. Renal impairment requires adjustment: CrCl 10-30mL/min dose every 24 hours; CrCl <10mL/min every 48 hours. Hepatic impairment patients need monitoring for clavulanate toxicity. Treatment duration depends on infection type but typically continues for 48 hours after symptoms resolve.
The 1g tablets offer distinct advantages over 625mg formulations for serious infections. They provide 40% more amoxicillin per dose while maintaining the same clavulanate content, increasing efficacy without additional side effects. Compared to 375mg tablets, the 1g strength achieves higher tissue penetration for difficult-to-treat infections. However, the 7:1 ratio increases diarrhea risk versus 4:1 formulations. Cost analyses show the 1g tablets are more cost-effective for severe infections due to reduced treatment failure rates and shorter courses.
Common adverse effects include diarrhea (15-25%), nausea (8%), and skin rash (5%). The higher amoxicillin dose increases Candida infection risk compared to lower strengths. Severe but rare risks include hepatitis (0.1%) and pseudomembranous colitis. Take with food and probiotics to reduce GI effects. Contraindications include penicillin allergy and history of cholestatic jaundice with amoxicillin-clavulanate. Discontinue immediately for persistent watery diarrhea, jaundice, or severe skin reactions. Monitor for superinfections with prolonged use.
Pregnant women (Category B) may use when benefits outweigh risks. Nursing mothers should monitor infants for diarrhea or thrush. Elderly patients require renal function assessment before prescribing. Pediatric use is limited to children >40kg due to fixed clavulanate content. Patients with mononucleosis have high rash risk. Those taking anticoagulants need increased INR monitoring. Immunocompromised patients may require longer courses. Hepatic impairment patients should not exceed 1g every 24 hours.
Amoxicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins, while clavulanic acid irreversibly blocks beta-lactamase enzymes. The 7:1 ratio in 1g tablets provides optimal amoxicillin levels for resistant pneumococci while maintaining adequate clavulanate concentrations. Current resistance patterns show 85% of S. pneumoniae remain susceptible, while only 55% of E. coli are sensitive in many regions. The clavulanate component restores activity against 90% of beta-lactamase producing H. influenzae. Emerging resistance involves porin channel mutations in Gram-negatives and altered PBPs in pneumococci.
Store tablets at 20-25°C (68-77°F) in original packaging, protected from moisture. The film coating maintains stability for 2-3 years until expiration. Avoid bathroom storage due to humidity. Travelers should use desiccant-containing containers. Never use tablets that appear discolored or damaged. Proper storage prevents degradation of the acid-labile clavulanate component. The tablets are light-stable but should be kept in opaque packaging to maintain potency.
Generic 1g tablets cost $1.50-$4 per tablet depending on manufacturer. Most insurance plans cover them without prior authorization for FDA-approved indications. The WHO Essential Medicines List includes amoxicillin-clavulanate, though availability of high-dose formulations varies globally. Cost-effectiveness analyses favor 1g tablets over IV therapy for many moderate infections, reducing hospitalization costs. Some healthcare systems restrict use to preserve efficacy against resistant organisms.
Take tablets at consistent times with meals to maintain levels and reduce side effects. Complete the full course even if symptoms improve early. Recognize allergic reaction signs (rash, swelling) and C. difficile symptoms (watery diarrhea). Space other medications 2 hours apart. Women should anticipate possible yeast infections. Avoid alcohol due to rare disulfiram-like reactions. These instructions optimize outcomes while minimizing risks. Provide written schedules for complex regimens.
Current studies investigate: optimized dosing for obese patients, novel beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations, and pharmacokinetic differences between generics. Research continues on shorter-course therapy (5-7 days) for certain indications. Genetic testing may identify patients prone to adverse reactions. Phase III trials are evaluating sustained-release formulations. These developments aim to maintain this essential antibiotic's effectiveness against evolving resistance patterns.
May reduce oral contraceptive efficacy - recommend backup methods. Allopurinol increases rash risk. Probenecid elevates amoxicillin levels. Warfarin effect may be enhanced (monitor INR). Separate from tetracyclines by 2 hours. Dairy products don't significantly affect absorption. These considerations help prevent treatment complications and ensure optimal efficacy.
This high-strength combination treats resistant bacterial infections including: complicated sinusitis, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, intra-abdominal infections, and severe skin/soft tissue infections. The 7:1 ratio provides optimal clavulanate coverage for beta-lactamase producing organisms.
• Swallow whole with water - do not crush/chew
• Take at start of a meal to enhance absorption
• Standard dose: 1 tablet every 12 hours
• Severe infections: May require 8-hour dosing
• Renal impairment (CrCl <30mL/min): Reduce to 1 tablet daily
The extended-release properties of the 1g tablet maintain therapeutic levels for 12 hours. This allows convenient dosing while ensuring adequate clavulanate concentrations throughout the dosing interval.
No - the tablets are film-coated and should not be divided. For dose reductions, use alternative formulations (625mg tablets or oral suspension). Splitting destroys the controlled release properties and alters the amoxicillin-clavulanate ratio.
The 1g tablet contains 40% more amoxicillin (875mg vs 500mg) with the same 125mg clavulanate. This provides higher antibiotic levels for severe infections while maintaining the protective clavulanate effect.
1. Higher risk of hepatitis (monitor LFTs)
2. Increased diarrhea incidence (up to 25%)
3. May cause severe skin reactions (SJS/TEN)
4. Can precipitate seizures at high doses
5. Risk of C. difficile-associated diarrhea
• Warfarin: Markedly increases INR
• Methotrexate: Reduces clearance (toxic levels)
• Allopurinol: Amplifies rash risk
• Oral contraceptives: May reduce efficacy
• Probenecid: Increases amoxicillin toxicity
• Daily symptom improvement assessment
• Watch for thrush/vaginal candidiasis
• Monitor bowel movements for C. diff
• Check for allergic reactions (first 72 hours)
• Renal function tests in elderly patients
If vomiting occurs within 30 minutes of dosing: may repeat full dose. After 30-60 minutes: administer half dose. Beyond 1 hour: no redosing needed. For recurrent vomiting, switch to IV formulation.
Alcohol increases: hepatotoxicity risk from clavulanate, GI side effects, and potential for disulfiram-like reaction. Complete avoidance is recommended, especially in liver disease patients.