E-DRUG: amoxicillin/clavulanic acid essential?
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The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin did in October 1996 (DTB 34;no 10:76-8) a
reassessment of Augmentin (co-amoxiclav). Here is the conclusion:
"Co-amoxiclav should rarely be seen as a first-line drug for the treatment
of common bacterial infections in general practice. Although commonly used
in respiratory infections, co-amoxiclav is not an appropriate alternative to
empirical amoxycillin in most cases of community-acquired pneumonia or acute
exacerbations of chronic lung disease. In urinary tract infections,
co-amoxiclav should only be considered as a second-line treatment if
organisms are shown to be resistant to trimethoprim. In childhood otitis
media and acute sinusitis, amoxycillin remains the treatment of choice, with
co-amoxiclav used as second-line treatment for those who do not respond to
amoxycillin. Co-amoxiclav does, however, have a place as antibiotic
prophylaxis prior to abdominal and gynaecological surgery for prevention of
wound infections and is simpler than other commonly used therapy involving
two drugs. It also has a place in the treatment of pelvic inflammatory
disease, in conjunction with a drug effective against chlamydia, and for
skin and soft tissue infections particularly where there is a mixed
infection. Co-amoxiclav is a first-line treatment for severe dental
infections, postpartum infections and human and animal bites."
Regards Kirsten
Ms Kirsten Myhr, MScPharm, MPH
Bygdoy Alle 58B
0265 Oslo
Norway
Tel: +47 22 56 05 85 (h)
Fax: +47 22 24 90 17 (w) Tel: +47 22 24 90 39 (w)
E-mail: myhr@online.no
or (w): kirsten.myhr@helsetilsynet.dep.telemax.no
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