Austell Co-Amoxiclav 375 mg Side Effects: What South African Patients Need to Know

Austell Co‑Amoxiclav 375 mg is a prescription antibiotic used in South Africa to treat various bacterial infections. It contains amoxicillin (a penicillin‑type antibiotic) and clavulanic acid (a β‑lactamase inhibitor) in a fixed combination. This article focuses specifically on Austell Co‑Amoxiclav 375 mg side effects, based strictly on factual information from credible, up‑to‑date sources.

What is Austell Co‑Amoxiclav 375 mg?

Austell Co‑Amoxiclav is a branded version of the amoxicillin–clavulanate combination marketed by Austell Laboratories (Pty) Ltd, a South African pharmaceutical company. The formulation is used to treat infections such as:

Respiratory tract infections
Ear, nose and throat infections
Urinary tract infections
Skin and soft tissue infections

The South African package insert for Amoxicillin and Clavulanate preparations (such as Co‑Amoxiclav) lists the standard combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid as being used for these types of infections and notes that the regimen and dose depend on the severity and type of infection being treated, as well as patient factors such as age and renal function, as described in the professional information for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid registered with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) on official product information documents available through medicine information resources.

Because different strengths (e.g. 375 mg, 625 mg or 1 g tablets) have different dosing schedules, it is important to follow the dosing instructions provided on your specific pack and in your patient information leaflet, which will match the strength prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects of Austell Co‑Amoxiclav 375 mg

The side effects of Austell Co‑Amoxiclav 375 mg are the same as those reported for other brands of amoxicillin–clavulanate. According to the official patient information leaflets and prescribing information for co‑amoxiclav preparations, the most commonly reported side effects involve the gastrointestinal tract and skin.

1. Gastrointestinal side effects

Authoritative summaries of product characteristics for amoxicillin–clavulanate combinations list the following common gastrointestinal side effects:

Diarrhoea
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal discomfort or pain

These are described in medicine information documents and drug monographs for co‑amoxiclav (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) used in South Africa and internationally, where diarrhoea and nausea are among the most frequently reported adverse reactions in clinical use of the combination.

Mild gastrointestinal effects often improve as treatment continues, but persistent, severe or watery diarrhoea can be a warning sign of a more serious reaction such as antibiotic‑associated colitis, which requires medical attention and discontinuation of the medicine as advised in official product information.

2. Skin and allergic reactions

Information from official co‑amoxiclav product documents and standard drug references highlights that skin reactions and hypersensitivity reactions are important side effects:

Skin rash
Itching (pruritus)
Urticaria (hives)

Because Austell Co‑Amoxiclav 375 mg contains a penicillin‑type antibiotic, patients who are allergic to penicillin or other β‑lactam antibiotics are at risk of an allergic reaction. Severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, although uncommon, are specifically warned about in co‑amoxiclav prescribing information and patient leaflets. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include:

Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Severe rash or blistering of the skin

Any of these require immediate emergency medical treatment and stopping the medicine, as highlighted in standard penicillin allergy warnings in official patient information for amoxicillin–clavulanic acid products.

Less Common and Serious Side Effects

While most people tolerate Austell Co‑Amoxiclav 375 mg reasonably well, official information for amoxicillin–clavulanate combinations lists several less common but potentially serious adverse effects that patients should be aware of.

1. Liver‑related side effects (hepatic effects)

Co‑amoxiclav (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) can cause liver function disturbances, sometimes described as:

Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
Cholestatic jaundice (reduced bile flow causing yellowing of skin/eyes)
Increases in liver enzymes on blood tests

These conditions are documented in official summaries of product characteristics and drug monographs for co‑amoxiclav. The risk of liver problems appears higher in:

Older adults
Males
Patients on prolonged treatment

Symptoms and signs that may indicate liver involvement include:

Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Dark urine
Pale stools
Persistent nausea or vomiting
Abdominal pain (particularly in the upper right side)
Unusual tiredness

Most hepatic effects are reversible after stopping the medicine, but some cases can be severe, so prompt medical evaluation is important if these symptoms develop.

2. Blood and immune system effects

According to prescribing information for amoxicillin/clavulanate combinations, less common haematological (blood) and immune‑related side effects have been reported, including:

Reversible leukopenia or neutropenia (low white blood cell count)
Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
Very rarely, haemolytic anaemia (breakdown of red blood cells)

These effects are typically detected via blood tests, particularly in patients on prolonged therapy. Patients should contact a healthcare provider if they develop unexplained:

Fever or recurrent infections
Unusual bruising or bleeding
Extreme fatigue or pallor

3. Nervous system and other side effects

Standard drug monographs for co‑amoxiclav list additional less common side effects, which can include:

Headache
Dizziness
Convulsions (seizures) – usually in patients with impaired kidney function or those receiving very high doses

Because the 375 mg strength is a lower‑dose tablet, seizures are more likely in specific high‑risk situations (such as overdose or severe renal impairment), but the risk is flagged in professional information to support careful dosing and monitoring in susceptible patients.

Risk Factors and Precautions

The patient and professional information for co‑amoxiclav emphasise several precautions that are directly relevant to Austell Co‑Amoxiclav 375 mg:

Penicillin allergy:
- Do not take Austell Co‑Amoxiclav if you have a history of a serious allergic reaction (such as anaphylaxis) to penicillins or cephalosporins.
- A detailed allergy history is recommended before prescribing.
Liver disease:
- Previous liver problems associated with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid are a contraindication in official product information.
- Patients with existing liver disease should be assessed carefully, and liver function may need monitoring during treatment.
Kidney (renal) impairment:
- Prescribing information states that dosing must be adjusted in patients with reduced kidney function, and different strengths or dosing intervals may be required.
- In severe impairment, accumulation of the drug can increase the risk of side effects such as seizures.
History of antibiotic‑associated colitis:
- Any history of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)–associated diarrhoea or severe antibiotic‑related colitis requires careful risk‑benefit assessment, as co‑amoxiclav, like many broad‑spectrum antibiotics, can precipitate recurrence.

Recognising When to Seek Medical Help

Patient information leaflets for amoxicillin–clavulanate combinations advise patients to stop the medicine and seek urgent medical help if they experience any of the following:

Signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis):
- Sudden difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Severe rash, blistering or peeling skin
Signs of serious skin reactions:
- Widespread rash with blisters or peeling
- Sores in the mouth, eyes, or genital area
Signs suggestive of liver damage:
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Dark urine
- Persistent nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea, especially with stomach cramps or fever, which may indicate antibiotic‑associated colitis.

If any of these occur, the advice in official co‑amoxiclav information is to stop taking the antibiotic and contact a doctor or emergency service immediately.

How to Use Austell Co‑Amoxiclav 375 mg Safely

Although exact dosing instructions for Austell Co‑Amoxiclav 375 mg depend on the indication and patient characteristics, general safety guidance from co‑amoxiclav prescribing references applies:

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not skip doses and avoid stopping early unless instructed, even if you feel better, to reduce the risk of resistance and relapse.
Take the tablets at the recommended intervals (e.g. every 8 hours or every 12 hours depending on your specific instructions) to maintain stable blood levels.
Taking the medicine at the start of a meal is commonly recommended in co‑amoxiclav product information to improve gastrointestinal tolerability and absorption.
Do not share your antibiotics with others, even if their symptoms seem similar.
Inform your healthcare provider about:
- Any history of allergies to antibiotics
- Existing liver or kidney disease
- All other medicines you are taking, as drug interactions are listed in co‑amoxiclav product information (for example with certain anticoagulants and other drugs metabolised by the liver).

If you miss a dose, patient leaflets generally advise taking it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose; in that case, skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Do not double up doses.

Who Manufactures Austell Co‑Amoxiclav?

Austell Laboratories (Pty) Ltd is a South African pharmaceutical company that develops, licenses and distributes prescription medicines, including antibiotics such as co‑amoxiclav. Corporate and product information for Austell is available via South African medicine information resources and business directories, which confirm that Austell Laboratories markets a wide range of generic and branded medicines for the South African market under local regulatory oversight.

If you are using Austell Co‑Amoxiclav 375 mg, your package insert and patient information leaflet will identify Austell Laboratories (Pty) Ltd as the holder of the registration or license, along with regulatory details registered with SAHPRA.

Key Takeaways on Austell Co‑Amoxiclav 375 mg Side Effects

Austell Co‑Amoxiclav 375 mg contains amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, and its side‑effect profile is the same as other co‑amoxiclav brands.
Common side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and mild skin rashes, as described in co‑amoxiclav patient information leaflets and drug monographs.
Serious but less common side effects include severe allergic reactions, liver problems, blood disorders and severe diarrhoea linked to antibiotic‑associated colitis, all of which are highlighted in official product information.
Patients with penicillin allergy, liver disease, kidney disease, or a history of severe antibiotic‑related diarrhoea need special caution and medical supervision.
Immediate medical attention is required for symptoms of anaphylaxis, serious skin reactions, jaundice, or severe diarrhoea.

Because this article is informational and based on published product‑class information for co‑amoxiclav and the known profile of amoxicillin–clavulanate combinations used in South Africa, it cannot replace the specific Austell Co‑Amoxiclav 375 mg package insert or your healthcare provider’s advice. Always read your own patient leaflet carefully and discuss any side effects or concerns with a doctor or pharmacist before making changes to your treatment.

Austell Co-Amoxiclav 375Mg Side Effects