Clavulanate (Clavulanic Acid / Co-amoxiclav)

Recommended Adult Dose

Co-amoxiclav 625 mg (500/125 mg): 1 tablet every 8 hours.

Co-amoxiclav 1 g (875/125 mg): 1 tablet every 12 hours.

IV: 1.2 g every 8 hours; severe infections every 6 hours.

Paediatric Dose

20–45 mg/kg/day (amoxicillin component) in divided doses.

Severe otitis/sinusitis: up to 90 mg/kg/day.

Common Brands Available in Kenya

BrandManufacturerStrengthFormulationApprox. Price (KES)
Augmentin®GSK625 mg / 1 gTabs, Suspension, Injection900–2,200
Clavam®Various distributors375 mg / 625 mgTabs, Suspension300–950
Moxaclav®Square Pharmaceuticals625 mgTablets600–950
Amoklavin®Imported625 mg / 1 gTabs, Suspension650–1,190
Spotclav®Various distributors625 mgTablets600–900
Winclav®Generic625 mgTablets600–900
Myclav®Generic625 mgTablets650–950
Co-amoxiclav GenericVarious manufacturers625 mg / 1 gTabs, Suspension300–900
Timentin®Ticarcillin + Clavulanate3.1 gInjectionHospital supply

Combinations

Amoxicillin + Clavulanate (Co-amoxiclav); Ticarcillin + Clavulanate (Timentin®).

Clavulanate More Action
Mode of ActionBeta-lactamase inhibitor protecting penicillins from enzymatic degradation.
IndicationsRespiratory infections, sinusitis, otitis media, dental infections, bite wounds, diabetic foot, skin/soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections and mixed aerobic/anaerobic infections.
PrecautionsHepatic impairment, renal impairment, previous cholestatic jaundice, prolonged treatment and beta-lactam allergy.
ContraindicationsPrevious co-amoxiclav-associated liver injury or hypersensitivity to beta-lactams.
Pregnancy/LactationGenerally safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when indicated.
Adverse ReactionsDiarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, candidiasis, rash, urticaria, cholestatic hepatitis, elevated liver enzymes and anaphylaxis.
PolypharmacyWarfarin, methotrexate, allopurinol, probenecid, mycophenolate mofetil and live oral typhoid vaccine.
Drug CategoryDrugs Acting on Infections
Drug Sub-categoryBeta-lactamase Inhibitors