Vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea appear to be the most common side effects of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Since the antibiotic was never compared to a placebo, however, it is difficult to determine whether these side effects were actually caused by other conditions or amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Side effects that may require medical attention include severe diarrhea, yeast infections, and allergic reactions.
Side Effects of Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium: An Introduction
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with
amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium (
Augmentin®); however, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects of Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium
Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which it was compared to the two components used individually. Because these studies did not compare amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium to a placebo (a solution with no active ingredient), it is difficult to tell whether side effects were actually caused by the medications, the condition being treated, or other problems.
In these studies, the most common side effects of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium included:
- Diarrhea or loose stools -- in up to 9 percent of people
- Nausea -- up to 3 percent
- Vomiting -- up to 1 percent.