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Co-amoxiclav Intravenous for Adults
Who can administer
May be administered by registered competent doctor or nurse/midwife
Important information
- Penicillin antibiotic
- See under 'Dose' for adjustments required in renal impairment
- Hepatic events (most frequently cholestatic hepatitis(ref 2)) have been reported, predominantly in males and elderly patients and may be associated with prolonged treatment. Signs and symptoms usually occur during or shortly after treatment but in some cases may not become apparent until several weeks after treatment has ceased.
- Search synonym: Coamoxiclav, Augmentin
Available preparations
Co-amoxiclav 1.2g vial
Co-amoxiclav 600mg vial
Reconstitution
Water for injection
20mL per 1.2g vial
10mL per 600mg vial
See under storage below regarding maximum storage time after reconstitution
Infusion fluids
Sodium chloride 0.9%
Methods of intravenous administration
Can use either method of administration- choice depends on practicalities such as time available, fluid status of patient, etc.
Slow intravenous injection (all doses)
- Administer over 3 to 4 minutes
Intermittent intravenous infusion (all doses)
- Add required dose to 100mL of infusion fluid
- A 50ml infusion may be used if required (eg fluid restriction) but the residual volume in the infusion line must be flushed through at the same rate to avoid significant underdosing
- Administer over 30 to 40 minutes
Dose in adults
Usual dose
- Give 1.2g every eight hours
Renal impairment (ref 1)
| eGFR (ml per minute/1.73m2) | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| less than 30 | 1.2g | every 12 hours |
| Renal replacement therapy | Consult pharmacy/specialist literature | |
Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in hepatic impairment, monitor hepatic function
Further information
- The dose is expressed in terms of the sum of amoxycillin and clavulanic acid content e.g. 1.2g co-amoxiclav = 1g amoxicillin and 200mg clavulanic acid.
Storage
- Store below 250C
- Reconstituted solutions for injection should be administered within 15 minutes after reconstitution
- The time interval between the beginning of reconstitution and the end of intravenous infusion should not exceed one hour
References
SPC Fresenius Kabi April 2019
1:GUH Antimicrobial Guidelines Checked April 2022
2: Uptodate, checked online April 20th 2022
Augmentin, Coamoxiclav (Search term)
Search term: Augmentin
Therapeutic classification
Antibiotic