Augmentin is a combination antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Learn about its uses, dosage forms, costs, and what to know before taking it in 2026.
Augmentin (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Potassium) is one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics in the world. Whether your doctor just wrote you a prescription or you're trying to understand what this medication does, this guide covers everything you need to know — from what Augmentin is and what it treats to how much it costs and who shouldn't take it.
Augmentin is a brand-name prescription antibiotic manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). It combines two active ingredients:
This combination gives Augmentin a broader range of effectiveness than Amoxicillin alone. It belongs to the beta-lactam antibiotic drug class.
Augmentin is not a controlled substance and is available in generic form as Amoxicillin/Clavulanate. You may also see it referred to as Amox-Clav or Co-Amoxiclav.
Other brand-name versions include Augmentin XR (extended-release tablets) and Augmentin ES-600 (high-dose pediatric suspension).
Augmentin is FDA-approved to treat the following bacterial infections:
Doctors also prescribe Augmentin off-label for dental infections, animal bite wounds, diabetic foot infections, and COPD exacerbations.
Augmentin only works against bacterial infections. It will not help with viral illnesses like the common cold or flu. For more on how it works, read our guide on Augmentin's mechanism of action.
Augmentin comes in several forms:
The most common adult dose is 875 mg/125 mg taken twice daily (every 12 hours) or 500 mg/125 mg taken three times daily (every 8 hours), depending on the type and severity of infection. Treatment typically lasts 7 to 14 days.
Augmentin XR is dosed at 2000 mg/125 mg every 12 hours for community-acquired pneumonia.
Children's doses are based on body weight: 25 to 45 mg/kg/day (based on the Amoxicillin component), divided into doses every 12 hours.
You should not take Augmentin if you have:
Always tell your doctor about all medications you take, including supplements. Augmentin has several drug interactions to be aware of, including Warfarin, Methotrexate, and Probenecid.
For a complete list of potential side effects, see our guide on Augmentin side effects.
Cost varies significantly depending on whether you get the brand name or generic:
Most insurance plans cover generic Amoxicillin/Clavulanate on tier 1 or tier 2 formularies. Typical copays range from $5 to $45 with insurance. Approximately 79% of insurance plans cover this medication, and prior authorization is generally not required for the generic.
For more ways to save, read our guide on Augmentin coupons, discounts, and patient assistance programs.
Augmentin has been affected by supply shortages since late 2022. Oral suspensions have been particularly hard to find, though tablet forms are generally more available. If you're having trouble finding Augmentin at your pharmacy, use Medfinder to check stock at pharmacies near you, or ask your doctor about alternative antibiotics.
Augmentin is a proven, widely used antibiotic that's effective against many common bacterial infections. It's available in multiple forms, is covered by most insurance plans, and has an affordable generic version. The most important things to remember: take it with food, finish your full course, and don't take it if you're allergic to Penicillin.
If you need to find Augmentin in stock near you, Medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy with availability.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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