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Clavulanic Acid Side Effects

Clavulanic acid is an antibiotic medication used in the treatment of infections throughout the body. This medication, in particular, fights bacterial infections that are often resistant to other types of antibiotics. In the past, it has been used to treat urinary tract, joint, bone, stomach and vaginal infections. As with most antibiotic medications, there are a number of side effects with the drug's use.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • Side effects of this medication include stomach pain, gas, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, muscle and joint pain, skin rash, itching, headache, pain and swelling at the injection site, and vaginal yeast infections. These are considered the most common side effects and they only affect a small number of users.

    Severe Side Effects

    • Unfortunately, there are also a number of severe side effects associated with using this medication. Side effects include bloody diarrhea, bloody urine, painful or difficult urination, unusual weakness, easy bleeding and bruising, confusion, dry mouth, increased urination, chills, body aches, fever, sore throat, headache, seizures, chest pain and irregular heartbeat. These side effects are very rare and do not affect a large amount of users.

    Important Safety Information

    • If you are allergic to clavulanate potassium, ticarcillin or any other penicillin products, you should never take clavulanic acid for any reason. Always use this medication for the entire course of treatment to ensure that your body has rid itself of the bacterial infection. Consult your doctor if you suffer from any of the following ailments: a blood-clotting disorder, kidney disease, any type of allergy, an electrolyte imbalance or if you are on a diet that restricts salt intake.

    Usage

    • Always use clavulanic acid exactly as prescribed by your doctor and never in dosages that exceed what is recommended on the label. The medication is administered in injection form through a needle that is placed directly into a vein. The injection should always be performed by a doctor or nurse in a professional medical setting. The drug is usually given for 10 to 14 days, depending on the severity of the infection.

    Warning

    • If you experience any of the aforementioned side effects, contact your physician immediately.

      If an overdose is suspected, contact your poison control center and head directly to the nearest emergency room.

      Clavulanic acid is meant in the treatment of bacterial infections only and should not be used to treat any other medical condition unless specifically instructed to do so by a doctor.

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