What Is Augmentin?

Augmentin is a prescription antibiotic that combines Amoxicillin (a penicillin-type antibiotic) with Clavulanate Potassium (a beta-lactamase inhibitor). It is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and is widely available as a generic. Augmentin is FDA-approved to treat a range of bacterial infections including:

• Lower respiratory tract infections
• Acute bacterial sinusitis
• Acute otitis media (middle ear infections)
• Skin and skin structure infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Community-acquired pneumonia (Augmentin XR)

It is also commonly used off-label for dental infections, animal bite wounds, diabetic foot infections, and COPD exacerbations.

How Does Augmentin Work?

Augmentin works through a two-part mechanism. Amoxicillin kills bacteria by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, preventing bacteria from building the protective walls they need to survive. However, some bacteria produce enzymes called beta-lactamases that can break down amoxicillin before it works.

That's where Clavulanate Potassium comes in — it acts as a beta-lactamase inhibitor, blocking these enzymes and protecting amoxicillin from being destroyed. This combination extends Augmentin's effectiveness against a broader range of bacteria, including many strains that are resistant to amoxicillin alone.

What Doses Are Available for Augmentin?

Immediate-Release Tablets

• 250 mg/125 mg
• 500 mg/125 mg
• 875 mg/125 mg

Extended-Release Tablets (Augmentin XR)

• 1000 mg/62.5 mg

Chewable Tablets

• 125 mg/31.25 mg
• 250 mg/62.5 mg

Oral Suspensions

• 125 mg/31.25 mg per 5 mL
• 200 mg/28.5 mg per 5 mL
• 250 mg/62.5 mg per 5 mL
• 400 mg/57 mg per 5 mL

ES-600 Suspension (High-Dose Pediatric)

• 600 mg/42.9 mg per 5 mL

How Hard Is It to Find Augmentin in Stock?

Augmentin (Amoxicillin/Clavulanate) has a findability score of 50 out of 100, meaning it can be moderately difficult to locate — especially in liquid suspension form. ASHP reports ongoing shortages of oral suspensions and some tablet strengths from multiple manufacturers as of early 2026. Tablet forms (875/125 mg and 500/125 mg) are generally easier to find than suspensions. The shortage traces back to the 2022 RSV/flu/COVID triple-demic, and recurring supply disruptions have continued through 2025 and into 2026.

If your local pharmacy is out of stock, Medfinder can help you locate nearby pharmacies that currently have Augmentin available. You may also ask your doctor about switching to an equivalent tablet strength if the suspension is unavailable.

Who Can Prescribe Augmentin?

Augmentin is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics and can be prescribed by a wide range of healthcare providers:

• Primary Care / Family Medicine physicians
• Pediatricians (commonly for ear infections and sinusitis in children)
• Internal Medicine doctors
• Urgent Care providers
• Emergency Medicine physicians
• Dentists (for dental infections)
• ENT Specialists (Otolaryngologists)

Augmentin is also available through telehealth consultations, making it convenient to get a prescription for common infections without an in-person visit.

Is Augmentin a Controlled Substance?

No. Augmentin is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It is a prescription antibiotic with no potential for abuse or dependence. You do not need special prescriptions or ID verification to fill it — just a standard prescription from any licensed prescriber.

Common Side Effects of Augmentin

Most side effects of Augmentin are mild and related to the digestive system. Taking it with food can help reduce stomach upset. Common side effects include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Skin rash
• Headache
• Vaginal yeast infection

Serious but rare side effects that require immediate medical attention include severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, liver dysfunction, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and seizures (especially at high doses or with kidney impairment).

Alternative Medications to Augmentin

If Augmentin is unavailable or not suitable for you, your doctor may consider these alternatives:

• Amoxicillin — for infections that don't require beta-lactamase coverage
• Cefdinir (Omnicef) — an oral cephalosporin with similar coverage
• Levofloxacin (Levaquin) — a fluoroquinolone for respiratory infections
• Azithromycin (Zithromax) — a macrolide antibiotic often used for respiratory and ear infections

Always consult your doctor before switching antibiotics, as the best choice depends on the specific infection and bacterial sensitivity.

Drug Interactions with Augmentin

Augmentin can interact with several medications. Tell your doctor about all drugs you take, especially:

Major Interactions

• Warfarin — increased anticoagulant effect; INR monitoring recommended
• Methotrexate — reduced renal clearance and increased toxicity risk
• Probenecid — decreased renal excretion of amoxicillin, leading to higher blood levels
• Allopurinol — increased risk of skin rash

Moderate Interactions

• Oral contraceptives — potential reduced effectiveness
• Tetracyclines and Macrolides — may antagonize the bactericidal effect of amoxicillin
• Mycophenolate Mofetil — reduced effectiveness of mycophenolate

Final Thoughts on Augmentin

Augmentin remains one of the most effective and widely prescribed antibiotics for common bacterial infections. While ongoing supply shortages — particularly of liquid suspension forms — can make it harder to find, tablet formulations are generally more available. Generic Amoxicillin/Clavulanate is affordable, with cash prices as low as $9–$20 using discount coupons, and most insurance plans cover it with low copays of $5–$45.

If you're having trouble finding Augmentin at your pharmacy, use Medfinder to search real-time pharmacy inventory near you. You can also ask your prescriber about equivalent tablet strengths or alternative antibiotics if your specific formulation is on back order.