Amoxicillin-clavulanate 875-125 mg is a prescription antibiotic tablet used to treat bacterial infections of the sinuses, lungs, ears, skin, and urinary tract. The 875-125 mg strength is the higher-dose version, typically prescribed for more severe infections or respiratory infections, taken once every 12 hours with food.
What the Two Ingredients Do
Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic that kills bacteria by breaking down their cell walls. The problem is that many common bacteria have learned to fight back. They produce enzymes called beta-lactamases that destroy amoxicillin before it can work.
That’s where the clavulanate (also called clavulanic acid) comes in. Clavulanate has almost no ability to kill bacteria on its own, but it permanently disables those protective enzymes. By blocking the bacteria’s defense system, clavulanate lets amoxicillin do its job against a wider range of infections than amoxicillin could handle alone. The 125 mg of clavulanate stays the same across different tablet strengths; the 875 mg refers to the amoxicillin dose.
Infections This Medication Treats
The 875-125 mg tablet is FDA-approved for infections caused by bacteria that produce those protective enzymes. In practice, your prescriber may choose it for:
- Sinus infections (sinusitis): Bacterial sinus infections that haven’t improved on their own or with a simpler antibiotic. This is one of the most common reasons the drug is prescribed.
- Lower respiratory tract infections: Infections in the lungs and bronchial tubes, including some cases of pneumonia and acute bronchitis caused by susceptible bacteria.
- Ear infections (otitis media): Middle ear infections, particularly in cases where standard amoxicillin alone may not be effective.
- Skin and soft tissue infections: Infected wounds, cellulitis, or animal and human bite wounds where resistant bacteria like staph are a concern.
- Urinary tract infections: Bladder or kidney infections caused by resistant strains of common urinary bacteria.
The 875-125 mg tablet is specifically designated for more severe infections and respiratory tract infections. Milder infections are sometimes treated with the lower 500-125 mg tablet taken three times a day instead.
How to Take It
The standard schedule for the 875-125 mg tablet is one tablet every 12 hours. Most courses last 7 to 14 days depending on the type of infection, though your prescriber will specify the duration.
Taking each dose at the start of a meal or with a snack is important for two reasons. First, food improves absorption of the clavulanate component. Second, and more practically, eating with this medication significantly reduces the chance of stomach upset and diarrhea, which are the most common complaints with this drug. Even if you don’t feel hungry, a few crackers or a small snack before your dose can make a noticeable difference.
Finish the entire prescribed course even if you feel better after a few days. Stopping early allows surviving bacteria to regrow, potentially causing a relapse or contributing to antibiotic resistance.
Common Side Effects
Digestive symptoms are by far the most frequent issue. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and general stomach discomfort are all well-documented with this combination. The clavulanate component is the main culprit. These side effects are usually mild and resolve once you finish the course.
Some people develop a rash, which can be a simple drug rash or, less commonly, a sign of an allergic reaction. Yeast infections (oral thrush or vaginal yeast infections) can also occur because the antibiotic disrupts the normal balance of microorganisms in your body. Eating yogurt or other probiotic-rich foods during your course may help, though evidence on this is mixed.
Who Should Not Take It
This medication is not safe for everyone. You should not take amoxicillin-clavulanate if you have a history of serious allergic reactions to penicillin, amoxicillin, clavulanate, or related antibiotics like cephalosporins. Serious reactions include anaphylaxis (throat swelling, difficulty breathing, collapse) or severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome. A mild rash from penicillin as a child is a different situation, and your prescriber can help you evaluate that risk.
If you’ve previously taken amoxicillin-clavulanate and developed liver problems or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) during or shortly after the course, this drug is contraindicated for you. Liver injury from this combination is uncommon but well-recognized, and a second exposure increases the risk.
Interactions With Other Medications
If you take a blood thinner like warfarin, be aware that amoxicillin-clavulanate can increase its blood-thinning effect. Multiple case reports have documented this interaction, and your prescriber may want to monitor your clotting levels more closely during the antibiotic course. Let any prescriber know about blood thinners before starting this antibiotic.
Hormonal birth control is another consideration. While the clinical evidence is debated, some prescribers recommend using backup contraception during an antibiotic course. If you take oral contraceptives, ask your pharmacist or prescriber for specific guidance. Also mention any other medications you’re on, particularly drugs processed by the kidneys or those that interact with penicillin-class antibiotics.