Augpen -ds Suspension

AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION

AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION is an antibiotic medication manufactured by Zuventus Healthcare Ltd. used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections.

Composition

AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION contains a combination of two active ingredients:

• Amoxicillin: 400 mg/5ml
• Clavulanic Acid: 57 mg/5ml

Amoxicillin works by inhibiting the formation of the bacterial cell wall, which is essential for bacterial survival. Clavulanic acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that prevents bacteria from inactivating amoxicillin, thereby enhancing its effectiveness against resistant bacteria.

Uses

AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION is prescribed for the management of various bacterial infections in children and, in some cases, adults who cannot swallow tablets or capsules. These include:

• Middle ear and sinus infections (e.g., acute otitis media, sinusitis)
• Respiratory tract infections (e.g., lobar and bronchopneumonia, tonsillitis, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis)
• Genital tract infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin and soft tissue infections (e.g., dental infections, cellulitis, bite wounds)
• Bone and joint infections
• Septic abortion (any abortion complicated by uterine infection)
• Abdominal infections
• Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis

It is important to note that this medicine is not effective against viral infections such as the common cold or flu.

Dosage and Administration

AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION is for oral administration. It should be taken as advised by your physician, usually with food to help reduce the possibility of stomach upset and improve absorption.

• Shake the bottle well before each use.
• Use the provided dosing syringe, cup, or spoon to measure the dose accurately.
• The correct dose and duration of treatment will be determined by the doctor based on the patient's age, body weight, and the severity of the infection.
• Complete the entire prescribed course of the antibiotic, even if symptoms improve, to ensure all bacteria are killed and to prevent the infection from returning or worsening.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION can cause side effects.

• Common Side Effects: Diarrhea, thrush (fungal infection in the vagina, skin folds, or mouth), nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, and skin rash. These usually resolve over time, but if they persist or worsen, consult a doctor.
• Serious Side Effects (Seek immediate medical attention):
  • Signs of allergic reactions such as skin rash, swelling on the face or mouth resulting in difficulty breathing or collapse.
  • Signs of vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels) such as raised red or purple spots on the skin.
  • Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
  • Severe diarrhea, sometimes watery and bloody, with or without stomach cramps and fever.
  • Convulsions (fits), especially in patients taking high doses or with kidney problems.
  • Inflammation of the large intestine.
  • Flu-like symptoms with a rash, fever, swollen glands, and abnormal blood test results (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)).
  • Black hairy tongue or stained teeth (in children), which are usually removed by brushing.

Precautions

• Do not administer AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION if there is a known allergy to amoxicillin, clavulanic acid, penicillin, cephalosporins, or any other ingredients of the medicine.
• It is not recommended for use if there is a history of liver problems or jaundice associated with previous use of amoxicillin-clavulanate or other antibiotics.
• Use with caution in pregnant women (only when clearly necessary) and breastfeeding women.
• Exercise caution in children (below 12 years of age) and elderly patients.
• Inform your doctor if your child has glandular fever, liver or kidney problems, or is not passing water regularly.
• This medicine may affect the results of certain blood and urine tests.
• Concomitant use of probenecid (used for gout) is not recommended as it can increase and prolong blood levels of amoxicillin.
• Concomitant use of allopurinol (used for gout) may increase the likelihood of allergic skin reactions.
• Caution is advised if the patient is taking anticoagulants like warfarin, as extra blood tests may be needed.

Storage

• Store the dry powder in the original package to protect it from moisture, below 25°C or 30°C.
• After reconstitution, the liquid suspension should be stored in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C) and used within 7 days. Do not freeze the reconstituted suspension.
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Discard any unused portion after the specified period. Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION

AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION is an antibiotic medication manufactured by Zuventus Healthcare Ltd. It contains two active ingredients: Amoxicillin and Clavulanic Acid. This combination works to treat a wide range of bacterial infections.

What is AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION used for?

AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION is primarily used to treat various bacterial infections in children, including those affecting the ear (acute otitis media), nose (sinusitis), throat (tonsillitis, pharyngitis), chest and lungs (pneumonia, bronchitis, respiratory tract infections), urinary tract (UTIs), skin and soft tissues, bones, joints, and dental infections. It is also effective against drug-resistant tuberculosis in some cases. It is important to note that this medicine does not work against viral infections such as the common cold or flu.

How does AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION work?

This medicine works due to its two active components: Amoxicillin and Clavulanic Acid. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic that works by preventing the formation of the bacterial cell wall, which is essential for the bacteria's survival, leading to their death. Clavulanic Acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Some bacteria produce an enzyme called beta-lactamase that can break down amoxicillin, making it ineffective. Clavulanic acid stops these enzymes from working, thereby protecting amoxicillin and enhancing its activity against resistant bacteria.

What is the usual dosage for AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION?

AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION contains Amoxicillin 400 mg and Clavulanic Acid 57 mg per 5 ml. The exact dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the type and severity of the infection, as well as the patient's age and weight. It is crucial to follow the dose and duration advised by your doctor. The suspension should be measured accurately using the provided measuring cup, syringe, or dropper, and shaken well before each use. It is often recommended to take this medicine with a meal or snack to minimize gastrointestinal upset.

What are the possible side effects of AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION?

Common side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and skin rash. Some individuals may also experience thrush (fungal infections in the mouth or other areas). If these side effects are persistent or worsen, consult your doctor. More serious, but rare, side effects can include severe allergic reactions (e.g., skin rash, swelling of the face/mouth/throat, difficulty breathing), inflammation of the large intestine causing watery and bloody diarrhea, liver problems (jaundice), or convulsions. Seek immediate medical attention if any severe side effects occur.

Is AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding when prescribed by a doctor, but caution is advised. Both amoxicillin and clavulanic acid can pass into breast milk in small amounts. Always consult your healthcare provider to weigh the potential benefits against any risks before taking this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Can AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION be taken with other medications?

AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION can interact with certain medications. Inform your doctor about all medicines, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products, you are currently taking. Key interactions include:

• Probenecid (for gout): Can increase and prolong amoxicillin levels in the blood.
• Allopurinol (for gout): May increase the likelihood of allergic skin reactions.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): May increase the blood-thinning effect, requiring extra blood tests.
• Methotrexate (for cancer or rheumatic diseases): Augpen can affect how methotrexate works, potentially increasing its toxicity.
• Oral contraceptives: May reduce the efficacy of combined oral contraceptives.
• Mycophenolate mofetil: Augpen may affect how this medicine works.

What precautions should be taken with AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION?

Before taking AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION, inform your doctor if you have a history of allergies to penicillins, cephalosporins, or any other antibiotics. Exercise caution if you have kidney or liver problems, as dosage adjustments or close monitoring may be necessary. It is also advised to avoid this medicine if infectious mononucleosis is suspected, due to an increased risk of skin rash. During treatment, maintain adequate fluid intake, especially with high doses, to reduce the possibility of kidney issues. Complete the full course of the antibiotic as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from returning and to avoid antibiotic resistance.

What happens if a dose of AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION is missed?

If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

How should AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION be stored?

Store AUGPEN -DS SUSPENSION in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. After reconstitution (mixing the powder with water), the suspension should be refrigerated and used within 7 days. Any unused portion after this period should be discarded. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.