Function

• The amoxicillin in Augmentin disrupts production of substances that strengthen the exterior of bacterial cells and protect them from your immune system. The addition of calvulanate protects amoxicillin from being broken down by chemicals contained in the bacteria.
  
  

Types

• Doctors prescribe Augmentin to treat many infections, including those of the respiratory tract, middle ear, sinuses, skin or urinary tract.
  
  

Time Frame

• Doctors prescribe Augmentin for use every eight to 24 hours, depending on the age of the patient and the type and severity of the infection, according to RxList.
  
  

Risks

• The most common side effects of Augmentin are diarrhea, nausea, skin rashes, vomiting and vaginal yeast infections. Augmentin carries a risk for severe anaphylactioid allergic reactions in patients with penicillin or cephalosporin sensitivity.
  
  

Considerations

• Augmentin has caused fetal harm in laboratory animals, so doctors avoid prescribing it to pregnant women. A person with history of chronic diarrhea, kidney or liver disease, mononucleosis or phenylketonuria, should not take Augmentin, the Mayo Clinic warns.