Augmentin XR is used for the treatment of bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract, skin, middle ear and urinary tract. The drug is also prescribed for sinus and pneumonia.

How taken
Always follow the doctor's advise while taking Augmentin xr. Never use more of the medicine or use it for a longer time unless the doctor has prescribed. Augmentin XR, should be taken with food so as to prevent stomach upset. The drug has to be taken every eight to 12 hours as per the dosage strength.

Once you have been prescribed Augmentin xr, make it a point to complete the whole dosage. If you stop in the middle of a medication, there is a possibility that the drug will loss its effectiveness. Moreover, there is also a possibility that the bacteria will develop a resistance to the drug and also other similar medicines.

Missed dose/overdose
Never miss any dose if you really want to have good results. In case you have missed a dose, you can have it once you remember it. If you are taking 2 doses a day, take the missed dose and the next dose should only be taken after 6 hours.

After that continue with the regular dosage. If you are taking three doses a day, take the missed one and the next dosage after 2 to 4 hours. After this you can continue with the regular doses.

In case you have taken an overdose, seek medical help at the earliest. Some of the overdose symptoms include Diarrhea, kidney problems, drowsiness, over activity, stomach pain and vomiting.

More information
Before the drug is given for your infections, it is good if you inform your doctor about all your allergies and also about your diseases. Augmentin XR is not prescribed if you have any allergic reaction to any penicillin drug. Discuss with the doctor if you have any of the following health problems: diarrhoea, kidney/Liver diseases and Phenylketonuria (PKU). If you have these conditions, Augmentin XR will not be prescribed.

Though the effect of Augmentin XR drug is not known during pregnancy, pregnant women should only use the drug after consulting the doctor. It may sometimes cause harm to the unborn babe. As the drug is traced in breast milk, breast feeding women are not advised Augmentin XR as it can cause harm to the newborn babe.

Warnings
Augmentin XR is only for the treatment of bacterial infections. It is not used against viral infections like common cold.

While taking Augmentin XR, if you experience diarrhoea, never treat on your own. Better consult the doctor, as diarrhoea may be a sign of some bowel inflammation.

Side effects
Always be aware of the side effects. If you experience any side effects or allergies, never delay in contacting the doctor. Some of the common side effects seen with Augmentin XR include nausea, diarrhoea, rashes, hive, vaginal itching, pain during intercourse, skin redness, thick vaginal discharge, bloody urine, fever, less urination, swelling of legs and seizures.