Can Augmentin Case Acid Reflux? - Augmentin Side Effects

Augmentin is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. It is one of the antibiotics that belong in the penicillin group of drugs. The amoxicillin content wards off harmful bacteria in the body while clavulanate potassium is a clavulanic acid which has the same properties as penicillin, but is made to target bacteria that is immune to penicillin and other antibiotics.   

This antibiotic agent is used to treat a wide variety of bacteria-caused infections in the body. The potassium salt of clavulanic acid, which is the beta-lactamase inhibitor, fights bacteria that are resistant to penicillin. Infections in the upper and lower respiratory track, tonsillitis, sinusitis, acute and chronic bronchitis, skin infections and sepsis are among the conditions treated with augmentin for a short-term basis. 

What to Know Before Taking Augmentin 

This drug is not prescribed to individuals who are allergic to either amoxicillin or clavulanate potassium. Before you decide to take Augmentin as your medication, you should first consult a physician. Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver complications, kidney problems, and if you have allergies to certain antibiotics or any other drugs. Augmentin can also harm nursing infants when the mother is under the medication. It can also lessen the effectiveness of most contraceptive pills. 

Augmentin Side Effects 

Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Other patients develop severe allergic reactions such as yeast infections and yellowing of skin and eyes. In this case, patients should seek medical help, call a physician, and stop using the medication. 

Possible Connection To Acid Reflux?

Reports have been posted online associating augmentin to acid reflux. It seems that a lot of people experience symptoms of acid reflux while on this antibiotic medication. Acid reflux is a condition that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter which connects the stomach with the esophagus meant to block the entry of acids, loosens up or weakens, resulting to gastric acids and stomach contents flowing back into the esophagus. The person under this condition experiences a burning sensation radiating throughout the chest, more commonly known as heartburn. This painful feeling usually comes from the abdomen and extends towards the throat which can be very uncomfortable and oftentimes unbearable. 

Acid reflux is most often caused by an improper and unhealthy lifestyle. Obesity, asthma and pregnancy are few of the cases which cause the condition; however, some foods can also trigger it such as too many chocolate, fatty foods and other beverages including alcohol and coffee.  

Though there are no scientific studies which shows that drugs contribute to the cases of acid reflux, a large number of people claimed that antibiotics such as Augmentin leave the person with this type of inconvenience while under the medication. Some patients taking augmentin for sinus infections noticed a development of gastro-intestinal disorders which they took as acid reflux. While other patients’ conditions improved weeks after they have stopped using the drug, some thought or claimed that their reflux worsened even after two months of halting the medication. 

A survey was conducted on one type of antibiotic known as Augmentin ‘875’, one involving acid reflux as a side effect. The result showed that out of 184 people, only one, or 0.54% of them experienced the symptoms. Another type called Augmentin XR includes stomach/abdominal pain, and rare cases of severe intestinal condition as some of its side effects. However, these do not point directly towards acid reflux. 

If you are a patient under Augmentin medication, and are experiencing acid reflux along with other abdominal problems, the most recommended step is to tell your doctor about the condition. It may or may not be the antibiotic which is causing the pain, but it is still best to know whether you have any other underlying diseases related to gerd. Maybe you have been taking augmentin for the wrong reasons. A lot of patients, who after weeks of taking the drug, found out that they were clear from assumed infections. Always make sure that you get checked up before using antibiotics and consult with your doctor for all possible negative side effects.