Clegentin: A Brand of Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid for Bacterial Infections

What it is

Clegentin is a brand of the combination antibiotic amoxicillin + clavulanic acid. It belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics. The amoxicillin component kills bacteria, while the clavulanic acid stops certain bacteria from breaking down the amoxicillin, making the medicine more effective against infections that would otherwise be resistant.

What it's used for

Clegentin is used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria in adults and children. These include lower respiratory tract infections (such as bronchitis or pneumonia), acute bacterial otitis media (middle ear infection), sinusitis, and skin and skin structure infections, specifically those caused by bacteria like Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli that produce beta‑lactamase enzymes.

How it's taken

Clegentin is taken by mouth as a tablet. The dose depends on the patient’s weight, age, and the type of infection. For adults and children weighing more than 40 kg, typical doses range from 500 mg to 875 mg every 12 hours or 250 mg to 500 mg every 8 hours (based on the amoxicillin part). For children aged 12 weeks and older, doses are calculated by weight. For newborns and infants under 12 weeks, a fixed dose of 30 mg/kg/day divided every 12 hours is used. Always follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions exactly.

Common side effects

The most commonly reported side effects include diarrhoea or loose stools (9% of patients), nausea (3%), skin rashes or hives (3%), vomiting (1%), and vaginal inflammation (1%). Serious allergic reactions or severe skin reactions can occur but are rare. If you experience difficulty breathing, severe rash, or swelling of the face or throat, stop the medicine and seek emergency care.

Important cautions

Do not use Clegentin if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to amoxicillin, clavulanate, or any other penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotic. Also avoid it if you have had liver problems (cholestatic jaundice or liver damage) caused by amoxicillin+clavulanate in the past. Stop the medicine and contact your doctor if you develop signs of liver injury (yellow skin/eyes, dark urine, persistent nausea) or severe diarrhoea that may indicate a Clostridioides difficile infection. Patients with mononucleosis (glandular fever) are at higher risk of developing a rash and should not take this medicine unless advised by a doctor.

Frequently asked questions