What Is Amoxicillin/Clavulanate?

Amoxicillin/Clavulanate is a prescription combination antibiotic that pairs Amoxicillin (a penicillin-type antibiotic) with Clavulanate Potassium (a beta-lactamase inhibitor) to fight a wide range of bacterial infections.

You may know it by its most popular brand name, Augmentin. Other brand names include Augmentin ES-600 (a higher-strength pediatric suspension) and Augmentin XR (an extended-release formulation for adults). Today, most prescriptions are filled with the generic version, which is significantly more affordable.

Amoxicillin/Clavulanate belongs to the penicillin/beta-lactamase inhibitor combination drug class. It is not a controlled substance, meaning it does not require a DEA-scheduled prescription and is not considered habit-forming.

What Is Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Used For?

Amoxicillin/Clavulanate is FDA-approved to treat several types of bacterial infections:

FDA-Approved Uses

• Acute bacterial sinusitis — sinus infections caused by bacteria
• Otitis media — middle ear infections (one of the most common reasons it's prescribed for children)
• Lower respiratory tract infections — including some types of bronchitis and pneumonia
• Community-acquired pneumonia — the XR formulation is specifically approved for this
• Skin and skin structure infections — including cellulitis and wound infections
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Common Off-Label Uses

Doctors also frequently prescribe Amoxicillin/Clavulanate for conditions not specifically listed on the FDA label, including:

• Dental infections and abscesses
• Animal and human bite wounds
• Diabetic foot infections
• COPD exacerbations (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease flare-ups)

To understand how Amoxicillin/Clavulanate works in your body, check our detailed explainer.

How Is Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Taken?

Amoxicillin/Clavulanate comes in several forms:

• Tablets: 250/125 mg, 500/125 mg, and 875/125 mg (the first number is the Amoxicillin dose; the second is the Clavulanate dose)
• Chewable tablets: 125/31.25 mg and 250/62.5 mg
• Oral suspension (liquid): Multiple strengths including 125/31.25 mg, 200/28.5 mg, 250/62.5 mg, and 400/57 mg per 5 mL
• Extended-release tablets (Augmentin XR): 1000/62.5 mg

Typical Dosing

• Adults: 500 mg every 8 hours or 875 mg every 12 hours for 7–14 days
• Adults (XR): 2,000 mg every 12 hours for 7–10 days
• Children: 25–45 mg/kg/day divided into doses every 12 hours (based on the Amoxicillin component)

Important Instructions

• Take with food to reduce stomach upset and improve absorption
• Swallow XR tablets whole — do not crush, chew, or break them
• Shake the liquid suspension well before each dose
• Complete the full course even if you feel better — stopping early can lead to antibiotic resistance

Who Should Not Take Amoxicillin/Clavulanate?

Do not take Amoxicillin/Clavulanate if you have:

• A history of serious allergic reaction to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics
• A history of liver problems (cholestatic jaundice) caused by previous use of Amoxicillin/Clavulanate
• Severe kidney impairment (creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min) — applies specifically to the XR formulation

Always tell your doctor about all medications you're taking, as Amoxicillin/Clavulanate interacts with several common drugs including Warfarin, Methotrexate, and oral contraceptives.

For a full breakdown of side effects and when to call your doctor, see our dedicated guide.

How Much Does Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Cost?

As a widely available generic, Amoxicillin/Clavulanate is one of the more affordable antibiotics:

• Generic 875 mg tablets (20 count): $20–$60 cash price
• Generic 500 mg tablets (30 count): $15–$45 cash price
• With a discount coupon (GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver): $10–$25
• Brand-name Augmentin: $100–$300+ (rarely prescribed since generics are widely available)

Most insurance plans cover generic Amoxicillin/Clavulanate as a Tier 1 generic with no prior authorization required. Your copay is typically $0–$15.

If you're paying out of pocket, check our guide on how to save money on Amoxicillin/Clavulanate for coupons, discount programs, and patient assistance options. Walmart's $4 prescription program also covers Amoxicillin, and Amoxicillin/Clavulanate may be available at a low cost through similar programs.

Final Thoughts

Amoxicillin/Clavulanate is a tried-and-true antibiotic that's been helping patients fight bacterial infections for decades. It's affordable, widely available as a generic, and prescribed by virtually every type of healthcare provider. If you have a bacterial infection and your doctor has recommended Amoxicillin/Clavulanate, you're getting a well-studied, effective treatment.

If you're having trouble finding it at your local pharmacy due to ongoing shortages, Medfinder can help you locate Amoxicillin/Clavulanate in stock near you.