On this page
Key Facts
- Drug Class
- Beta-lactam antibiotic with beta-lactamase inhibitor
- Prescription
- Required
- NAFDAC Status
- NAFDAC Registered
- Forms
- Tablet, Suspension, Injection
- Price Range
- ₦1,500 - ₦12,000
- WHO Essential
- Yes
What is Amoxicillin-Clavulanate?
Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) is one of the most popular and widely prescribed antibiotics in Nigeria. It combines two active ingredients: amoxicillin, a penicillin-type antibiotic, and clavulanic acid, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Many bacteria have developed the ability to produce enzymes called beta-lactamases that can break down and inactivate amoxicillin before it can work. Clavulanic acid blocks these enzymes, allowing amoxicillin to remain effective against bacteria that would otherwise be resistant to it. This combination makes Augmentin more powerful than plain amoxicillin against a wider range of infections.
In Nigeria, the brand name 'Augmentin' has become almost synonymous with the drug itself — many patients and even some healthcare workers simply refer to amoxicillin-clavulanate as 'Augmentin' regardless of the actual brand. It is available as tablets (375mg, 625mg, and 1g strengths), oral suspension for children, and as an injection for hospital use. The 625mg tablet is by far the most commonly dispensed strength in Nigerian pharmacies. Due to its broad-spectrum activity, Augmentin is frequently prescribed when a doctor suspects a resistant infection or when initial treatment with simpler antibiotics has failed.
While Augmentin is an extremely useful antibiotic, it is considerably more expensive than plain amoxicillin, which can be a significant consideration for many Nigerian patients. A course of original GSK Augmentin can cost between ₦3,000 and ₦12,000, making it out of reach for some families. This has unfortunately led to a thriving market in counterfeit and substandard Augmentin products. NAFDAC has repeatedly seized fake Augmentin across the country, and patients are strongly advised to verify their medication using the NAFDAC MAS (Mobile Authentication Service) before use.
What is Amoxicillin-Clavulanate used for?
In Nigeria, Amoxicillin-Clavulanate is commonly used for:
- Resistant bacterial infections that do not respond to plain amoxicillin
- Sinusitis (sinus infections) — acute and chronic
- Lower respiratory tract infections including community-acquired pneumonia and acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially complicated UTIs
- Skin and soft tissue infections including wound infections and cellulitis
- Dental abscesses and periodontal infections
- Otitis media (ear infections) that fail first-line therapy
- Animal and human bite wound infections
- Intra-abdominal infections (in combination with other agents)
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
The standard adult dose is one 625mg tablet taken twice daily, or one 375mg tablet taken three times daily. For more severe infections, one 1g tablet taken twice daily may be prescribed. Tablets should be taken at the start of a meal to reduce stomach side effects and improve absorption. A typical course lasts 5 to 7 days, though your doctor may prescribe a longer course for certain infections. Always complete the full course as prescribed.
Children
Dosage for children is based on body weight and is calculated using the amoxicillin component. The usual dose is 25mg to 45mg per kilogram per day in two divided doses. Augmentin suspension is available in 228mg/5ml and 457mg/5ml strengths for children who cannot swallow tablets. Shake the suspension well before measuring each dose, and use the measuring device provided. The suspension should be stored in a refrigerator after reconstitution.
Elderly
Elderly patients generally receive the standard adult dose, but dosage adjustment may be necessary in patients with impaired kidney function. Liver function should also be monitored during prolonged courses, as elderly patients are more susceptible to cholestatic jaundice associated with amoxicillin-clavulanate.
Take Augmentin at the start of a meal to minimise stomach upset. If you experience persistent diarrhoea, contact your healthcare provider. Do not crush or chew the tablets — swallow whole with water. Space your doses evenly throughout the day (e.g., every 12 hours for twice-daily dosing). Store reconstituted suspension in the refrigerator and discard after 7 days.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •Diarrhoea — more common with Augmentin than with plain amoxicillin due to the clavulanic acid component
- •Nausea and vomiting
- •Abdominal discomfort and bloating
- •Skin rash
- •Vaginal yeast infection (thrush) in women
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat
- Cholestatic jaundice and liver damage — may appear during or shortly after treatment, more common in older patients and with prolonged use
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome — severe skin blistering and peeling
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea — severe, persistent watery or bloody diarrhoea
- Blood disorders — unusual bruising, bleeding, or severe fatigue
When to see a doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop difficulty breathing, facial swelling, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), dark urine, severe abdominal pain, or persistent watery or bloody diarrhoea. If you notice a widespread blistering rash, stop taking the medication and go to the nearest hospital immediately. In Nigeria, the nearest general hospital emergency department or a well-equipped private hospital should be your first port of call for serious reactions.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Amoxicillin-Clavulanate if you have:
- Known allergy to penicillin, amoxicillin, clavulanic acid, or any other beta-lactam antibiotic
- History of liver problems or jaundice associated with amoxicillin-clavulanate use
- Infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever) — risk of severe skin rash
- Severe kidney impairment (dose adjustment required; certain formulations may be unsuitable)
Drug interactions
- •Warfarin — increased anticoagulant effect; INR should be monitored more frequently
- •Methotrexate — increased risk of methotrexate toxicity
- •Probenecid — increases blood levels of amoxicillin by reducing renal excretion
- •Allopurinol — increased risk of allergic skin reactions
- •Oral contraceptives — although evidence is limited, additional contraception may be advised during treatment
- •Mycophenolate mofetil — reduced effectiveness of this immunosuppressant
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Augmentin is generally considered safe during pregnancy when the benefits outweigh the risks. However, one study suggested a possible association between clavulanic acid and necrotising enterocolitis in premature infants when Augmentin was given to mothers before delivery, so it should be used with caution in late pregnancy. It is excreted in breast milk in small amounts and is usually compatible with breastfeeding, though the infant should be monitored for diarrhoea or thrush. Always consult your doctor before using Augmentin during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
NAFDAC-Registered Brands of Amoxicillin-Clavulanate in Nigeria
4 brands registered with NAFDAC as of 2026-02-01.
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form | NAFDAC Reg. No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augmentin | GlaxoSmithKline | 375mg, 625mg, 1g | Tablet | A4-0891 |
| Clavopil | Fidson | 625mg | Tablet | A4-3456 |
| Clavumox | Ranbaxy | 625mg | Tablet | B4-2345 |
| Augmentin Suspension | GSK | 228mg/5ml, 457mg/5ml | Suspension | A4-0892 |
How to Verify Your Amoxicillin-Clavulanate is Genuine
- 1Check for a valid NAFDAC registration number on the packaging. Genuine Augmentin and its generic equivalents must be NAFDAC-registered.
- 2Scratch the authentication panel on the pack and send the code via SMS to 38353 (NAFDAC Mobile Authentication Service) to verify the product's authenticity.
- 3Purchase only from registered pharmacies. Avoid buying from open markets, bus parks, or unregistered vendors where the risk of counterfeit products is highest.
- 4Check the packaging carefully — fake products often have spelling errors, poor print quality, or incorrect colour shading compared to genuine products.
- 5Verify the expiry date and batch number. Cross-reference these with the manufacturer's records if in doubt.
- 6If the price is significantly below the typical market range (below ₦1,500 for a pack of original Augmentin 625mg), exercise caution — it may be substandard or counterfeit.
Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Price in Nigeria
Amoxicillin-Clavulanate prices in Nigeria typically range from ₦1,500 to ₦12,000 per pack, depending on the brand, strength, and where you buy it.
₦1,500 – ₦12,000
per pack
Prices vary by location and vendor. Last updated: 2026-02-01
Where to Buy
Purchase Amoxicillin-Clavulanate only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors. Avoid buying medicines from unverified sources, roadside vendors, or unregistered market stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control registered products database
- •WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (23rd List, 2023)
- •British National Formulary (BNF)
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines