Dosage
The usual dose of co-amoxiclav is 1 tablet (either 375mg or 625mg) taken 3 times a day.
The dose may be lower for children. The doctor will use your child's weight to work out the right dose of the liquid for them.
Try to space the doses out evenly throughout the day, at least 4 hours apart.
How to take it
Take co-amoxiclav with a meal or snack. This will make you less likely to feel sick.
Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water.
If you find tablets hard to swallow, you can break them in half. There is a line down the middle to make them easier to break. Swallow one half and then the other half of the tablet to get the full dose.
If you're taking co-amoxiclav as a liquid, shake the bottle well before using it. The medicine will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.
Keep the liquid co-amoxiclav in the fridge. Make sure that it does not freeze. It will have been made up by the pharmacy and it's important you do not store or use it for longer than 7 days since the date it was made up. Do not use it after the expiry date on the bottle.
How long to take it for
You'll usually take co-amoxiclav for 5 to 14 days, depending on the type of infection.
If you do not feel better when you've completed your course of medicine, or if you feel worse at any time, talk to your doctor.
Important
Carry on taking this medicine until you've finished the course, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, the infection could come back.
If you forget to take it
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, then wait about 4 hours before taking your next one. However, if it's nearly time for your next dose just leave out the missed one and take your next dose at the usual time.
Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines.
If you take too much
Taking 1 extra dose of co-amoxiclav is unlikely to harm you.
Signs of taking too much co-amoxiclav might include feeling or being sick, diarrhoea or having a fit (seizure).
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you take 2 or more extra doses of co-amoxiclav
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111. Call 111 if you're asking about a child aged under 5 years.
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the co-amoxiclav packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.