What Does Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Treat?

Deshaun | 04 Feb 2026

What is Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Is

what does amoxicillin and clavulanate treat is easier to explain when kept simple. This medicine is used to treat bacterial infections, especially infections where regular amoxicillin may not be strong enough.

Amoxicillin and clavulanate is a combination antibiotic. Amoxicillin and Clavulanate is also known as Augmentin. It contains two medicines:

• amoxicillin, which kills bacteria

• clavulanate, which helps amoxicillin keep working

Some bacteria can block amoxicillin. Clavulanate is added to stop that from happening.

How Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Works

Amoxicillin works by breaking down the outer wall of bacteria. Bacteria need that wall to stay alive. Without it, they weaken and die.

Some bacteria produce enzymes that destroy amoxicillin before it works. Clavulanate blocks those enzymes. It does not kill bacteria by itself. It protects amoxicillin so it can do its job.

This is why amoxicillin clavulanate broad spectrum antibiotic is often used when resistance is suspected.

Common Infections Treated With Amoxicillin and Clavulanate

amoxicillin clavulanate uses cover several common infections. It is usually chosen when doctors think standard antibiotics may not work well.

It is commonly prescribed for:

• sinus infections

• ear infections

• throat infections

• chest infections

• skin infections

• dental infections

• some urinary infections

These are all examples of amoxicillin and clavulanate treated infections.

Sinus, Ear, and Throat Infections

Sinus infections are one of the most common reasons this medicine is given.

amoxicillin clavulanate uses for sinus infection include:

• bacterial sinus infections

• sinus infections that did not improve with other antibiotics

It is also used for:

• ear infections, especially repeated ones

• throat infections when bacteria are confirmed

These infections often involve bacteria that regular amoxicillin cannot fully treat.

Respiratory Infections

This medicine is sometimes used for lung and chest infections.

Examples include:

• bacterial bronchitis

• certain pneumonias

• infections that worsen chronic lung conditions

It does not help with viral coughs or colds. That distinction matters for proper amoxicillin clavulanate indications.

Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

amoxicillin clavulanate uses for skin infection include infections involving deeper layers of skin.

Common cases:

• cellulitis

• infected cuts

• wounds that are red and swollen

It is also often used for:

• animal bites

• human bite wounds

Bite wounds usually contain more than one type of bacteria, which is why this medicine is chosen.

Dental and Oral Infections

Dental infections are another common use.

This includes:

• tooth abscesses

• gum infections

• infections after dental work

The mouth has many bacteria, and resistance is common. This makes amoxicillin clavulanate uses appropriate for oral infections.

Urinary Tract Infections

amoxicillin clavulanate uses for uti are limited, but it is still used in certain cases.

It may be prescribed for:

• uncomplicated UTIs

• infections caused by bacteria shown to be sensitive

It is not the first choice for all UTIs. Culture results often guide this decision.

Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Infections

In some cases, this medicine is used for infections in the abdomen.

Examples include:

• certain abdominal infections

• infections involving mixed bacteria

These situations usually require broader coverage.

When This Antibiotic Is Chosen

Doctors often choose this medicine when:

• bacteria are likely resistant

• earlier antibiotics did not work

• infection involves multiple bacteria

This is part of amoxicillin clavulanate for bacterial infections being used appropriately.

What It Does Not Treat

This medicine does not work for:

• viral infections like colds or flu

• fungal infections

• parasitic infections

Using it when it is not needed does not help and can cause side effects.

Side Effects to Be Aware Of

Common side effects include:

• stomach upset

• diarrhea

• nausea

Severe diarrhea or rash should be checked right away.

When to Seek Medical or Pharmacy Advice

Advice is needed if:

• symptoms do not improve after 2–3 days

• side effects become severe

• allergic reactions occur

Questions about what infections does augmentin treat, dosing, or side effects can be discussed with Sanford Pharmacy.

Sanford Pharmacy can help explain why this medicine was chosen and how to take it safely.

Key Points to Remember

• what does amoxicillin and clavulanate treat: bacterial infections

• often used when resistance is suspected

• treats sinus, ear, skin, dental, respiratory, and some urinary infections

• does not treat viral illness

• finishing the full course matters

Amoxicillin and clavulanate is used when bacteria are harder to treat. When taken correctly, it helps clear infections that simpler antibiotics may not handle.