Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin
About
Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin belongs to the class of medicines called 'antibiotics' used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. Bacterial infections are caused by the growth of harmful bacteria within or on the body. Bacteria that are infectious or harmful to your health can make you sick and reproduce quickly in your body. Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin does not work against infections caused by the virus, including cold and flu.
Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin is a combination of two antibiotics: Clavulanic acid (a beta-lactamase inhibitor) and Cephalexin (cephalosporin antibiotic). Cephalexin prevents the formation of bacterial cell covering which is required for their survival, thereby killing the bacteria and preventing the spread of infection. Clavulanic acid works by increasing Cephalexin's antibacterial activity and decreasing bacterial resistance. Thus, Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin aids in the treatment of bacterial infections.
Take Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin as prescribed. In some cases, you may experience common side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and abdominal pain. The majority of these side effects do not necessitate medical attention and will subside gradually over time. However, if you are experiencing these side effects regularly, you should consult your doctor.
Consult your doctor before taking Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not take Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin on your own as self-medication may lead to antibiotic resistance in which antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections. Avoid alcohol consumption to prevent unpleasant side effects. If you are not feeling well, do not drive or use machinery. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take and your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects.
Uses of Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin
Medicinal Benefits
Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin belongs to the group of antibiotics used to treat various bacterial infections of the ear, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, bone and joint infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and dental infections. Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin is a combination of two antibiotics: clavulanic acid (a beta-lactamase inhibitor) and cephalexin (cephalosporin antibiotic). Cephalexin prevents the formation of bacterial cell covering which is required for their survival, thereby killing the bacteria and preventing the spread of infection. Clavulanic acid works by increasing cephalexin's antibacterial activity and decreasing bacterial resistance. Together, Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin helps to treat bacterial infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin
- Diarrhoea
- Thrush
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Abdominal pain
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Please do not use Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin without doctor advice if you are allergic to any of the components. Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not take Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin on your own or share your medication with anyone, as self-medication may lead to antibiotic resistance (antibiotics fail to act against specific bacterial infections). Consuming alcohol along with Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin is not advisable as it may cause unpleasant side effects, or you also may become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take and your health condition to rule out any unpleasant side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin may have interaction with other antibiotic medications (e.g. gentamicin, tobramycin, cefuroxime), diuretic medications (e.g. furosemide), a medicine used to prevent gout and gouty arthritis (e.g. probenecid), a medicine used to treat diabetes (e.g. metformin), and medicines used to treat leukaemia (e.g. dasatinib).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin may have interactions with conditions such as colitis/enteritis (inflammation in the lining of the colon), renal or hepatic dysfunction, dialysis and seizures.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consuming alcohol while taking Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin to prevent unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor will prescribe Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will prescribe Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionIn some cases, Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin may affect your ability to drive. Don’t drive or operate machinery unless you are feeling well.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have liver problems. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin to you.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have kidney problems. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin to you.
Children
safe if prescribedClavulanic Acid+cephalexin is safe for children if prescribed by a doctor. The dosage regimen depends upon the age and severity of the infection.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Antibiotics can alter the useful bacteria in the stomach, which help indigestion. Therefore, you are advised to take foods rich in probiotics such as yoghurt/curd, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kimchi, miso, kombucha, buttermilk, natto and cheese.
- Eat fibre rich food like whole grains, beans, lentils, berries, broccoli, peas and bananas.
- Avoid foods rich in calcium, grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they might hinder the absorption of antibiotics.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol to treat your condition effectively.
- Avoid usage of tobacco.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infections: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect our body. Infectious or harmful bacteria can make you sick and reproduce quickly in your body. These harmful bacteria produce toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. It can target any body part and multiply very quickly. When infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses like sore throat and ear infections to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. But, people with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine are more prone to bacterial infection.
FAQs
Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin contains clavulanic acid and cephalexin. Cephalexin prevents the formation of bacterial cell covering, which is required for their survival, thereby killing the bacteria and preventing infection spread. Clavulanic acid works by increasing cephalexin's antibacterial activity and decreasing bacterial resistance. Thus, Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin aids in the treatment of bacterial infections.
It is suggested that you finish the course of Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin even if you feel better because it is an antibiotic. Skipping it may result in a serious illness that no longer reacts to the antibiotic (antibiotic resistance).
Diarrhoea and stomach upset might be common side-effects with Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience prolonged diarrhoea with abdominal pain, stop taking Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin and consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Do not take Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin on your own. It will be recommended by a doctor to treat or prevent specific medical issues or conditions. Taking it on your own can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Certain laboratory test results, such as blood tests and urine tests may be affected by Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Clavulanic Acid+cephalexin.
