May 13, 2018
Danielle asked
Is it ok to take Sudafed PE and Amox-Clav together?
Answer
There is no interaction between Sudafed PE (phenylephrine) and Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (Augmentin), so they can be taken safely together.
Amoxicillin-Clavulanate
According to the prescribing information, Amox-Clav is an antibiotic containing a penicillin that is used for a variety of infections, including sinus, skin, urinary tract, and lower respiratory infections.
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Vomiting
- Vaginitis
Drug Interactions
- Warfarin: INR monitoring recommended since penicillin antibiotics may increase the INR and risk of bleeding when on warfarin
- Probenecid: may decrease excretion of antibiotic and cause increased concentrations of Amox-Clav; not recommended together
- Allopurinol: increases potential for developing rash
- Oral contraceptives (birth control): may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives through decreasing absorption
- Another form of contraception should be used along with the oral contraceptive to reduce risk of pregnancy
Warnings and Cautions
- Hypersensitivity reactions (allergic reactions) may occur and may be severe
- Tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist if you have a history of allergic reaction to beta-lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins) before use
- Hepatitis / cholestatic jaundice has been reported and hepatic function should be considered before use
- Clostridium difficile (C. diff) diarrhea may occur and patients should make sure to stay hydrated if experiencing diarrhea and tell a healthcare provider if having severe or bloody diarrhea
- Amox-Clav chewable tablets and suspensions contain phenylalanine and should not be used in phenylketonurics
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients or penicillins
- Hepatic dysfunction / cholestatic jaundice
Other
- Suspensions of this medication should be refrigerated and if there is any suspension left over after the recommended course is finished, it should be discarded
- Finish the whole course of antibiotics unless told otherwise by a healthcare professional, as unfinished antibiotic therapy can cause bacterial resistance
- Although Amox-Clav can be taken with or without food, taking the antibiotic with food may help decrease stomach upset
Sudafed PE
According to the prescribing information, Sudafed PE is a decongestant used to relieve congestion and pressure caused by allergies or colds.
Side Effects
- Talk to a healthcare professional these symptoms persist or are severe:
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Increased blood pressure
Warnings and Cautions
- Consult a healthcare provider before taking Sudafed PE or other products containing phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine if you have:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems
- Enlarged prostate gland and trouble urinating
- Do not use if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), as it can cause a significant and potentially dangerous increase in blood pressure
- Examples of MAOIs: rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Zelapar), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)
- Certain forms of phenylephrine that contain aspartame contain phenylalanine and should not be used in phenylketonurics
Other
- Do not take more than 6 tablets of the phenylephrine 10 mg (60 mg) in 24 hours
- If symptoms do not resolve within 7 days, stop taking Sudafed PE and see a healthcare professional
- Products with phenylephrine are not approved for children less than 4 years of age; however, a healthcare provider should be consulted before use in children less than 12 years of age
