Megamentin 1000

What is Megamentin 1000 by Intas?

Megamentin 1000 is a combination antibiotic made by Intas, the Indian pharmaceutical company. It is a generic version of Augmentin, which pairs two substances: amoxicillin, a penicillin-type antibiotic, and clavulanic acid, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. The 1000 mg figure is the combined content per unit, which in this strength of amoxicillin-clavulanate is usually 875 mg of amoxicillin with 125 mg of clavulanic acid. The pack holds 4 capsules.

The reason for the combination is bacterial resistance. Many bacteria defend themselves with beta-lactamase enzymes that cut the amoxicillin molecule and make it useless. Clavulanic acid has little antibacterial action of its own, but it binds to and disables those enzymes, so amoxicillin can do its job against strains that would otherwise resist it.

What is it used for?

With clavulanic acid protecting it, amoxicillin covers a wider spectrum, including many strains of Staphylococcus aureus that are not methicillin-resistant, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella and several anaerobic bacteria. Megamentin 1000 is therefore used for:

• bacterial sinusitis and middle ear infections that did not respond to plain amoxicillin;
• chest infections and community-acquired pneumonia;
• skin and soft-tissue infections such as cellulitis, and especially animal and human bite wounds;
• dental abscesses and other mouth infections;
• some urinary tract, bone and joint infections.

It does not work against MRSA, and like every antibiotic it is useless against viral infections.

How is it taken?

The main advantage of the 1000 mg strength is a twice-daily schedule: one unit every twelve hours, ideally at the start of a meal, which improves the absorption of clavulanic acid and reduces stomach upset. Courses usually last five to fourteen days depending on the infection. With 4 capsules per pack, one pack covers two days of treatment, so a complete course needs several packs. This strength is not suitable for people with severely reduced kidney function. The antibiotic, the dose and the length of the course must be agreed with a qualified medical professional, ideally after the cause of the infection has been confirmed.

Possible side effects

Diarrhea is the most frequent side effect and is more common than with amoxicillin alone; nausea, vomiting and thrush also occur. A specific risk of the combination is liver injury with jaundice. It is more frequent in men over 65 and with courses longer than two weeks, and it may show up only after treatment has ended. Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or itching should be reported to a doctor at once. Severe watery diarrhea, a spreading rash, swelling of the face or breathing difficulty also need urgent care. It must not be used by people allergic to penicillins or by anyone who previously had liver problems while taking amoxicillin-clavulanate.

Package

A pack of Megamentin 1000 contains 4 capsules of amoxicillin-clavulanate 1000 mg made by Intas. It can be ordered on MaxLabs.co.