Alphaclav Duo Viatris 500/125 and Alphaclav Duo Forte Viatris 875/125 (Amoxicillin And Clavulanic Acid)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Alphaclav Duo Viatris 500/125 and Alphaclav Duo Forte Viatris 875/125 Used For?
Alphaclav tablets contain two active ingredients: amoxicillin (a penicillin antibiotic) and clavulanic acid. This combination medication is used for short-term treatment of bacterial infections.
Primary Uses
Alphaclav treats a wide range of bacterial infections including chest infections (bronchitis or pneumonia), bladder infections (cystitis), sinus infections (sinusitis), ear infections (otitis media), and skin infections.
How It Works
Alphaclav belongs to the penicillin group of antibiotics and works by killing bacteria that cause infections. It will not work against viral infections such as colds or flu.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Alphaclav tablets are addictive.
How to Take Alphaclav Duo Viatris 500/125 and Alphaclav Duo Forte Viatris 875/125
Always follow the directions given by your doctor and pharmacist. Take the tablets exactly as prescribed to ensure the medication works effectively.
Dosage Instructions
Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water. Take tablets immediately before or with the first mouthful of food for best results and to prevent stomach upset. If taking twice daily, space doses about 12 hours apart. Continue taking until the course is finished, even if you feel better.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If your next dose is due within 6 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the normal time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular schedule.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Taking more than prescribed can increase the chance of side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- diarrhea (several loose bowel movements per day)
- indigestion and stomach pain
- nausea and vomiting
- oral thrush (white, furry, sore tongue and mouth)
- abnormal taste
- vaginal thrush (soreness, itching, or discharge)
- headache
- dizziness
- tiredness
- hot flushes
- tooth discoloration
- hyperactivity
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- itching or rash
- dark urine or pale stools
- yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- severe stomach cramps
- severe watery or bloody diarrhea
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- inflammation of bowel, liver, or kidney
- blood disorders
- crystals in urine
- fits or seizures
- aseptic meningitis
- red rash on buttocks, thighs, armpits, or neck
- allergic reactions (wheezing, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)
Important Warnings
Before taking Alphaclav, it’s important to tell your doctor about your medical history and any allergies you may have.
Who Should Not Take Alphaclav Duo Viatris 500/125 and Alphaclav Duo Forte Viatris 875/125
Do not take if you are allergic to amoxicillin, clavulanic acid, penicillin, or similar antibiotics (such as cephalosporins). Do not take if you have previously experienced liver problems after taking Alphaclav or similar medicines. Do not use if the medication is expired or the packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: previous allergic reactions to antibiotics, glandular fever (mononucleosis) or leukemia, kidney or liver problems, or if you need to test your urine for sugar (as Alphaclav may affect test results).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits. The active ingredients can pass to your baby through breast milk.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Alphaclav and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
- warfarin or other blood clot prevention medicines
- mycophenolate
- gout medicines (probenecid or allopurinol)
- other antibiotics
- methotrexate (cancer or rheumatic disease treatment)
- contraceptive pill (may need extra birth control methods)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and driving while taking Alphaclav, as the medication may affect your ability to perform these activities safely.
Alcohol
Alcohol should be avoided during treatment and for several days after finishing Alphaclav. Some people have experienced adverse effects when drinking alcohol while taking similar antibiotics.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Alphaclav affects you. While the tablets generally don’t cause problems, they may cause dizziness or tiredness in some people.
Storage
Keep tablets in the original pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Alphaclav, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Overdose symptoms may include mild to severe nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. Seek help even if you don’t feel unwell.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should tell your doctor if symptoms don’t improve within a few days of starting treatment. Continue taking the full course even if you feel better, as the infection can return if treatment is stopped early.
Yes, Alphaclav should be taken immediately before or with the first mouthful of food. This helps the medication work best and may prevent stomach upset. However, it will still work if taken without food.
No, there is no evidence that Alphaclav tablets are addictive.
Don’t stop taking Alphaclav just because you feel better, as the infection can return. Always complete the full course as prescribed by your doctor. Don’t stop or change the dose without checking with your doctor first.
No, alcohol should be avoided during treatment and for several days after finishing Alphaclav. Some people have experienced adverse effects when drinking alcohol while taking similar antibiotics.
If your next dose is due within 6 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the normal time. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose.
Tell your doctor if you’re taking the contraceptive pill. Like other antibiotics, you may need to use extra birth control methods (such as condoms) while taking Alphaclav.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.