Synermox general information
What is Synermox used for?
Synermox tablets 625mg are a combination antibiotic used for short-term treatment of a wide range of common general practice and hospital bacterial infections, including sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, infections of the skin, peritonitis, septicaemia and post-surgical infections, which are caused by a variety of susceptible bacteria. Synermox 625mg tablets are also used as prophylaxis to prevent infection following major surgery.
How does Synermox work?
Synermox tablets 625mg contain a combination of two antibiotics. Amoxycillin is as an antibiotic similar to penicillin and belongs to the beta-lactam group of antibiotics, which block the formation of the bacterial cell wall and this kills the bacteria. However, amoxycillin can be inactivated by an enzyme produced by bacteria called beta-lactamase, which makes those bacteria resistant to amoxycillin. Clavulanic acid is an antibiotic structurally related to the penicillins that is able to inactivate a wide range of beta-lactamase enzymes commonly found in amoxycillin-resistant bacteria. This dual action of Synermox 625mg tablets provides a broad spectrum antibiotic and a beta-lactamase inhibitor, which extends the range of susceptible bacteria as well as helping to prevent drug resistance developing. This allows Synermox 625mg tablets to combat infection and treat a wide range of symptoms caused by bacterial infections. Synermox 625mg tablets do not work against viruses which use a different mechanism to grow and replicate.
What does Synermox contain?
Synermox tablets 625mg contain a combination of the active ingredients amoxycillin 500mg and clavulanic acid 125mg, which are antibiotics used to treat a wide range of common general practice and hospital bacterial infections. They also contain microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal anhydrous silica, croscarmellose sodium, butylated hydroxy toluene, talc, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol 400.
Treating bacterial infection with Synermox
Synermox tablets 625mg contain a combination of two antibiotics amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Amoxycillin is a penicillin-like antibiotic that belongs to the beta-lactam group of antibiotics and blocks the formation of the bacterial cell wall which kills the bacteria. Clavulanic acid is an antibiotic structurally related to the penicillins that is able to inactivate the bacterial enzyme beta-lactamase commonly found in amoxycillin-resistant bacteria that inactivates amoxycillin. This dual action means that Synermox 625mg tablets can be used to treat a wide range of common general practice and hospital bacterial infections, including sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, infections of the skin, peritonitis, septicaemia and post-surgical infections, which are caused by a variety of susceptible bacteria, and to prevent infection following major surgery.
What are the side effects of Synermox?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Synermox tablets 625mg include: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, oral and vaginal thrush, headache, mild skin rash.
When should Synermox not be used?
You should not use Synermox tablets 625mg if you:
- are allergic to amoxycillin or any other beta-lactams antibiotic, including cephalosporins; or clavulanic acid; or any of the other ingredients in Synermox
- have had jaundice or liver problems after previously taking Synermox
- are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding, without first discussing with your doctor
- have or think you have infectious mononucleosis
- have or have had hepatitis or jaundice or kidney disease
- are taking oral contraceptives as Synermox may lower oestrogen levels
- taking medications that interact with Synermox, including probenecid and allopurinol (for gout), anticoagulants
How should Synermox be taken?
You should take your Synermox tablets 625mg with a glass of water with food, preferably just before a meal, to reduce stomach effects. The dose you take and how often depends on what you are being treated for and your doctors recommendations, which may be 1-2 tablets 1-3 times a day for up to 14 days. Always finish your course of tablets even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return and you run the risk of the bacteria causing your infection developing resistance to Synermox.
How long should you take Synermox?
You should complete the course of Synermox 625mg tablets as prescribed by your doctor, which may for up to 14 days, depending on what you are being treated for. Always finish your course of tablets even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely or your symptoms may return and you run the risk of the bacteria causing your infection developing resistance to Synermox.
Missed dose of Synermox
If you miss a dose of Synermox tablets 625mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Synermox be stored?
You should keep your Synermox tablets 625mg in their blister packs until use and store below 25°C in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.