Klamox

Drug name: Klamox

Other names used:

• Ranclav®

Active Ingredients: Amoxicillin Clavulanic acid

Therapeutic actions: Amoxicillin is in a class of medications called penicillin-like antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Clavulanic acid is in a class of medications called beta-lactamase inhibitors. It works by preventing bacteria from destroying amoxicillin

Indications: Klamox 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 β-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis.
Otitis Media - caused by β-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis.
Sinusitis - caused by β-lactamase-producing strains of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis.
Skin and Skin Structure Infections - caused by β-lactamase-producing strains of S.aureus, E. coli, and Klebsiella spp.
Urinary Tract Infections - caused by β-lactamase-producing strains of E. coli, Klebsiella spp., and Enterobacter spp.
While Klamox is indicated only for the conditions listed above, infections caused by ampicillin-susceptible organisms are also amenable to treatment with Klamox due to its amoxicillin content; therefore, mixed infections caused by ampicillin-susceptible organisms and β-lactamase-producing organisms susceptible to Klamox should not require the addition of another antibiotic. Because amoxicillin has greater in vitro activity against S. pneumoniae than does ampicillin or penicillin, the majority of S. pneumoniae strains with intermediate susceptibility to ampicillin or penicillin are fully susceptible to amoxicillin and Klamox.

Contraindications and cautions:
You should not take Klamox if you:

• Are allergic to Klamox, amoxicillin, clavulanate potassium, or any inactive components used to make the medication. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist has a list of the inactive ingredients.
• Are allergic to penicillin.
• Have had liver problems due to Klamox in the past.

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Klamox (amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium) if you have:

• Liver disease, including liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
• Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
• A penicillin allergy
• Phenylketonuria
• Any other allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:

• Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
• Breastfeeding.

Warning!

• Let your healthcare provider know if you experience diarrhea that is severe or that lasts for more than two or three days. While diarrhea is a common side effect of Klamox, severe or prolonged diarrhea may be a sign of a serious reaction to the antibiotic.
• Klamox should not be used to treat viruses, such as the common cold. It is completely ineffective for treating viruses, and such use can lead to bacterial resistance to Klamox.
• It is important that you take Klamox exactly as prescribed. Skipping doses or stopping the medication too early (even if you feel better) can lead to bacterial resistance to Klamox.

Adverse effects: Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• diarrhea
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• mild skin rash

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• severe skin rash
• itching
• hives
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• wheezing
• vaginal itching and discharge
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
Especially pay attention to the following drugs:

• Allopurinol (Aloprim™, Zyloprim®)
• Methotrexate (Rheumatrex®, Trexall™)
• Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
• Oral typhoid vaccine
• Probenecid (Benuryl™).

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.