Co-amoxiclav
NHS information about the medicine co-amoxiclav, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
What co-amoxiclav is for
Co-amoxiclav is mainly used to treat bacterial infections, including some:
- ear and sinus infections
- infections of parts of the body involved in breathing, such as the throat, airways or lungs (respiratory tract infections)
- skin infections
- dental infections
How to take co-amoxiclav
Co-amoxiclav usually comes as tablets or a liquid that you swallow.
Your dose and how long you take it for depends on why you're taking it. Most people need to take it 3 times a day for a few days or weeks.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
When taking co-amoxiclav:
- space the doses evenly during the day, at least 4 hours apart
- take it with a meal (this helps reduce side effects such as feeling or being sick)
- swallow tablets whole with a glass of water
- use the syringe or spoon that comes with the medicine to help you measure out the right dose if you're taking liquid co-amoxiclav
Side effects of co-amoxiclav
Like all medicines, co-amoxiclav can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of co-amoxiclav include:
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
- thrush (a fungal infection)
Co-amoxiclav will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery. But if you feel dizzy after taking it, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until the dizziness stops.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of co-amoxiclav.
For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take co-amoxiclav
Most adults and children can take co-amoxiclav.
But co-amoxiclav is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've ever had an allergic reaction to co-amoxiclav or another antibiotic – this can include a skin rash or swelling of the face and throat
- you've ever had liver problems or jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes or the skin) when taking antibiotics
- you have (or think you may have) glandular fever
- you have kidney problems
Before taking co-amoxiclav, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and co-amoxiclav
You can usually take co-amoxiclav while breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or doctor first.
Speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby, or notice side effects in your baby such as:
- diarrhoea
- oral thrush (mouth thrush)
- a skin rash
- not feeding as well as usual or unusually irritable
- being sleepy or unusually tired
Pregnancy and co-amoxiclav
You can usually take co-amoxiclav if you're pregnant and your doctor thinks you need it.
Taking co-amoxiclav with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with co-amoxiclav.
These include:
- gout medicines, such as allopurinol or probenecid,
- warfarin (used to prevent blood clots)
- methotrexate (used to treat cancer or rheumatoid arthritis)
Before taking co-amoxiclav, tell your doctor if you’re taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with co-amoxiclav
You can eat as normal while taking co-amoxiclav.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice
