Augmentin - Treatment for Bacterial Infections Augmentin is a type of penicillin antibiotic. Generic Augmentin is a moderate beta-lactam antibiotic, used for the treatment of bacterial infections. It is absorbed easily and hence chosen by the doctors. However, it can be crushed down by beta-lactamase producing bacteria and can be given with clavulanic acid. It is available as a product of GlaxoSmithKline under the brand name, Amoxil. It inhibits the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. The formula is referred to as co-amoxiclav (a name approved by the United Kingdom). However, it is generally known by its proprietary names, Augmentin and Clamoxyl. It is usually prescribed to women, children under the age of 8, and people allergic to tetracycline and it can be taken on an empty stomach. This antibiotic is usually obtainable in form of pills, which can be taken for several weeks. Generic Augmentin is an antibiotic in the class of drugs called penicillin. It fights with bacteria in the body. Augmentin is used to treat numerous types of infections, such as tonsillitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and infections of the skin. It may also be used for other purposes. This antibiotic comes as a capsule, chewable tablet, liquid, and pediatric drop to take by mouth. It is usually taken every 8 hours (three times a day). Take it exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Shake the liquid and pediatric drops well before each use to mix the medicine evenly. Use the bottle dropper to measure the dose of pediatric drops. Augmentin used to treat bacterial infections. Adding the chemical clavulanate potassium to the antibiotic amoxicillin increases the amount of time the antibiotic stays active in the body. It is a type of combination antibiotic and also called amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium. The pediatric drops and liquid may be placed on a child's tongue or added to formula, milk, fruit juice, water, ginger ale, or other cold liquid and taken at once. Generic Augmentin tablets should be crushed or chewed thoroughly before they are swallowed. The capsules should be swallowed whole and taken with a full glass of water. Continue to take augmentin even if you feel well. If you switch from one tablet form to another (regular, chewable, or extended-release tablet), take only the new tablet form and strength prescribed for you. The strength of clavulanate potassium is not the same among the dissimilar tablet forms, even though the amount of amoxicillin may be the same as in the tablet you were using before. Do not stop taking augmentin without consulting your doctor.