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CO-AMOXICLAV 457 MG / 5ML SUSPENSION - summary of medicine characteristics

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Summary of medicine characteristics - CO-AMOXICLAV 457 MG / 5ML SUSPENSION

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Co-Amoxiclav 457mg/5ml Suspension

2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

After reconstitution, each 5ml of oral suspension contains 400 mg amoxicillin (as trihydrate) and 57 mg clavulanic acid (as potassium salt).

Excipients with known effect

Aspartame

For full list of excipients, see section 6.1.

3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Powder for oral suspension.

White powder.

4.1 Therapeutic indication

Co-amoxiclav oral suspension is indicated for the treatment of the following infections in adults and children (see sections 4.2, 4.4 and 5.1):

Acute bacterial sinusitis (adequately diagnosed)

Acute otitis media

Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (adequately diagnosed)

Community acquired pneumonia

Cystitis

Pyelonephritis

Skin and soft tissue infections in particular cellulitis, animal bites, severe dental abscess with spreading cellulitis.

Bone and joint infections, in particular osteomyelitis.

Consideration should be given to official local guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Posology

Doses are expressed throughout in terms of amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid content except when doses are stated in terms of an individual component.

The dose of Co-Amoxiclav Oral Suspension that is selected to treat an individual infection should take into account:

The expected pathogens and their likely susceptibility to antibacterial agents (see section 4.4)

The severity and the site of the infection

The age, weight and renal function of the patient as shown below.

The use of alternative presentations of Co-Amoxiclav (e.g. those that provide higher doses of amoxicillin and/or different ratios of amoxicillin to clavulanic acid) should be considered as necessary (see sections 4.4 and 5.1).

For children < 40 kg, this formulation of Co-Amoxiclav Oral Suspension provides a maximum daily dose of 1000–2800 mg amoxicillin/143–400 mg clavulanic acid, when administered as recommended below. If it is considered that a higher daily dose of amoxicillin is required, it is recommended that another preparation of Co-Amoxiclav is selected in order to avoid administration of unnecessarily high daily doses of clavulanic acid (see sections 4.4 and 5.1).

The duration of therapy should be determined by the response of the patient. Some infections (e.g. osteomyelitis) require longer periods of treatment. Treatment should not be extended beyond 14 days without review (see section 4.4 regarding prolonged therapy).

Children > 40 kg should be treated with the adult formulations of Co-Amoxiclav Oral Suspension.

Children < 40 kg

Children may be treated with Co-Amoxiclav tablets, suspensions or paediatric sachets.

Recommended doses: 25 mg/3.6 mg/kg/day to 45 mg/6.4 mg/kg/day given as two divided doses;

up to 70 mg/10 mg/kg/day given as two divided doses may be considered for some infections (such as otitis media, sinusitis and lower respiratory tract infections).

No clinical data are available for Co-Amoxiclav Oral Suspension 7:1 formulations regarding doses higher than 45 mg/6.4 mg per kg per day in children under 2 years.

There are no clinical data for Co-Amoxiclav Oral Suspension 7:1 formulations for patients under 2 months of age. Dosing recommendations in this population therefore cannot be made.

Elderly

No dose adjustment is considered necessary.

Renal impairment

No dose adjustment is required in patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) greater than 30 ml/min.

In patients with creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min, the use of Co-Amoxiclav Oral Suspension presentations with an amoxicillin to clavulanic acid ratio of 7:1 is not recommended, as no recommendations for dose adjustments are available.

Hepatic impairment

Dose with caution and monitor hepatic function at regular intervals (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).

Method of administration

Co-amoxiclav Suspension is for oral use.

Co-amoxiclav Suspension should be administered with a meal to minimise potential gastrointestinal intolerance.

Therapy can be started parenterally according to the SmPC of the IV-formulation and continued with an oral preparation.

Shake to loosen powder, add water as directed, invert and shake.

Shake the bottle before each dose (see section 6.6).

For instructions on reconstitution of the medicinal product before administration, see section 6.6.

4.3 Contraindications

4.3 Contraindi­cations

Hypersensitivity to the active substances, to any of the penicillins or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

History of a severe immediate hypersensitivity reaction (e.g. anaphylaxis) to another beta-lactam agent (e.g. a cephalosporin, carbapenem or monobactam).

History of jaundice/hepatic impairment due to amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid (see section 4.8).

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Before initiating therapy with amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid, careful enquiry should be made concerning previous hypersensitivity reactions to penicillins, cephalosporins or other beta-lactam agents (see sections 4.3 and 4.8).

Serious and occasionally fatal hypersensitivity (including anaphylactoid and severe cutaneous adverse reactions) have been reported in patients on penicillin therapy. These reactions are more likely to occur in individuals with a history of penicillin hypersensitivity and in atopic individuals. If an allergic reaction occurs, amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid therapy must be discontinued and appropriate alternative therapy instituted.

In the case that an infection is proven to be due to an amoxicillin-susceptible organisms(s) then consideration should be given to switching from amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid to amoxicillin in accordance with official guidance.

This presentation of Co-amoxiclav is not suitable for use when there is a high risk that the presumptive pathogens have reduced susceptibility or resistance to betalactam agents that is not mediated by beta-lactamases susceptible to inhibition by clavulanic acid. This presentation should not be used to treat penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae.

Convulsions may occur in patients with impaired renal function or in those receiving high doses (see section 4.8).

Amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid should be avoided if infectious mononucleosis is suspected since the occurrence of a morbilliform rash has been associated with this condition following the use of amoxicillin.

Concomitant use of allopurinol during treatment with amoxicillin can increase the likelihood of allergic skin reactions.

Prolonged use may occasionally result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms.

The occurrence at the treatment initiation of a feverish generalised erythema associated with pustula may be a symptom of acute generalised exanthemous pustulosis (AGEP) (see Section 4.8). This reaction requires Co-amoxiclav discontinuation and contra-indicates any subsequent administration of amoxicillin.

Amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid should be used with caution in patients with evidence of hepatic impairment (see sections 4.2, 4.3 and 4.8).

Hepatic events have been reported predominantly in males and elderly patients and may be associated with prolonged treatment. These events have been very rarely reported in children. In all populations, signs and symptoms usually occur during or shortly after treatment but in some cases may not become apparent until several weeks after treatment has ceased. These are usually reversible. Hepatic events may be severe and in extremely rare circumstances, deaths have been reported. These have almost always occurred in patients with serious underlying disease or taking concomitant medications known to have the potential for hepatic effects (see section 4.8).

Antibiotic-associated colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents including amoxicillin and may range in severity from mild to life threatening (see section 4.8). Therefore, it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhoea during or subsequent to the administration of any antibiotics. Should antibiotic-associated colitis occur, amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid should immediately be discontinued, a physician be consulted and an appropriate therapy initiated. Anti-peristaltic drugs are contraindicated in this situation.

Periodic assessment of organ system functions, including renal, hepatic and haematopoietic function is advisable during prolonged therapy.

Prolongation of prothrombin time has been reported rarely in patients receiving amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid. Appropriate monitoring should be undertaken when anticoagulants are prescribed concomitantly. Adjustments in the dose of oral anticoagulants may be necessary to maintain the desired level of anticoagulation (see section 4.5 and 4.8).

In patients with renal impairment, the dose should be adjusted according to the degree of impairment (see section 4.2).

In patients with reduced urine output, crystalluria has been observed very rarely, predominantly with parenteral therapy. During the administration of high doses of amoxicillin, it is advisable to maintain adequate fluid intake and urinary output in order to reduce the possibility of amoxicillin crystalluria. In patients with bladder catheters, a regular check of patency should be maintained (see section 4.9).

During treatment with amoxicillin, enzymatic glucose oxidase methods should be used whenever testing for the presence of glucose in urine because false positive results may occur with non-enzymatic methods.

The presence of clavulanic acid in amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid may cause a non-specific binding of IgG and albumin by red cell membranes leading to a false positive Coombs test.

There have been reports of positive test results using the Bio-Rad Laboratories Platelia Aspergillus EIA test in patients receiving amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid who were subsequently found to be free of Aspergillus infection. Cross reactions with non-Aspergillus polysaccharides and polyfuranoses with BioRad Laboratories Platelia Aspergillus EIA test have been reported. Therefore, positive test results in patients receiving amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid should be interpreted cautiously and confirmed by other diagnostic methods.

Amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid 400 mg/57 mg/5 ml powder for oral suspension contains3.32 mg of aspartame (E951) per ml, a source of phenylalanine. This medicine should be used with caution in patients with phenylketonuria.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid and other antibiotics or chemotherapeutics

Co-amoxiclav oral suspension should not be combined with bacteriostatic chemotherapeu­tics/antibiotics (such as tetracyclines, macrolides, sulphonamides or chloramphenicol) since an antagonistic effect has been observed in vitro.

Amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid and probenecid

Concomitant use of probenecid is not recommended. Probenecid decreases the renal tubular secretion of amoxicillin.Con­comitant administration of probenecid leads to an increase in and prolongation of serum and bile amoxicillin concentrations owing to inhibition of renal excretion. However this does not affect the excretion of clavulanic acid.

Amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid and allopurinol

Concomitant administration of allopurinol during therapy with Co-amoxiclav oral suspension may promote the occurrence of allergic cutaneous reactions (exanthema).

Amoxicllin/cla­vulanic acid and sufasalasin

Aminopenicillin may reduce the plasmatic concentration of sufasalasin.

Amoxicllin/cla­vulanic acid and methotrexate

Interaction between amoxicillin and methotrexate leading to methotrexate toxicity has been reported. Serum methotrexate levels should be closely monitored in patients who receive concomitant amoxicillin. Amoxicillin decreases the renal clearance of methotrexate probably by competition at the common tubular secretion system.

Amoxicllin/cla­vulanic acid and digoxin

An increase in absorption of digoxin is possible on concurrent administration with Co-amoxiclav oral suspension.

Amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid and disulfiram

Co-amoxiclav oral suspension cannot be used concomitantly with disulfiram.

Amoxicllin/cla­vulanic acid and anticoagulants

A tendency to bleed can be potentiated due to concomitant administration of Co-amoxiclav oral suspension and anticoagulants of the cumarin class.

Oral anticoagulants and penicillin antibiotics have been widely used in practice without reports of interaction. However, in the literature there are cases of increased international normalised ratio in patients maintained on acenocoumarol or warfarin and prescribed a course of amoxicillin. If coadministration is necessary, the prothrombin time or international normalised ratio should be carefully monitored with the addition or withdrawal of amoxicillin. Moreover, adjustments in the dose of oral anticoagulants may be necessary.

Amoxicllin/cla­vulanic acid and hormonal contraceptives

In rare cases amoxicillin can adversely affect the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives. Supplementary non-hormonal contraceptive measures should be taken.

Influence on results of diagnostic laboratory tests

Nonenzymic methods for determining urinary sugar can yield falsely positive results. Likewise the urobilinogen test can be affected.

Mycophenolate mofetil

In patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil, reduction in pre-dose concentration of the active metabolite mycophenolic acid (MPA) of approximately 50% has been reported following commencement of oral amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid.

The change in pre-dose level may not accurately represent changes in overall MPA exposure. Therefore, a change in the dose of mycophenolate mofetil should not normally be necessary in the absence of clinical evidence of graft dysfunction. However, close clinical monitoring should be performed during the combination and shortly after antibiotic treatment.

4.6 Pregnancy and lactation

4.6 Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryonal/foetal development, parturition or postnatal development (see section 5.3). Limited data on the use of amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid during pregnancy in humans do not indicate an increased risk of congenital malformations. In a single study in women with preterm premature rupture of the foetal membrane it was reported that prophylactic treatment with amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid may be associated with an increased risk of necrotising enterocolitis in neonates. Use should be avoided during pregnancy, unless considered essential by the physician

Breastfeeding

Both substances pass into the embryo/foetus by way of the placenta and are eliminated into breastmilk (nothing is known of the effects of clavulanic acid on the breast-fed infant). Consequently, diarrhoea and fungus infection of the mucous membranes are possible in the breast-fed infant so that breast-feeding might have to be discontinued. The possibility of sensitisation should be taken into account. Amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid should only be used during breastfeeding after benefit/risk assessment by the physician in charge.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. However, undesirable effects may occur (e.g. allergic reactions, dizziness, convulsions), which may influence the ability to drive and use machines (see section 4.8).

4.8 Undesirable effects

The most commonly reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.

The ADRs derived from clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance with Co-Amoxiclav, sorted by MedDRA System Organ Class are listed below.

The following terminologies have been used in order to classify the occurrence of undesirable effects.

Very common (>1/10)

Common (>1/100 to <1/10)

Uncommon (>1/1,000 to <1/100)

Rare (>1/10,000 to <1/1,000)

Very rare (<1/10,000)

Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)

Infections and infestations

Mucocutaneous candidosis

Common

Overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms

Not known

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Reversible leucopenia (including neutropenia)

Rare

Thrombocytop enia

Rare

Reversible agranulocytosis

Not known

Haemolytic anaemia

Not known

Prolongation of bleeding time and prothrombin time1

Not known

Immune system disorders10

Angioneurotic oedema

Not known

Anaphylaxis

Not known

Serum sickness-like syndrome

Not known

Hypersensitivity vasculitis

Not known

Nervous system disorders

Dizziness

Uncommon

Headache

Uncommon

Reversible hyperactivity

Not known

Convulsions2

Not known

Aeseptic meningitis

Not known

Gastrointestinal disorders

Diarrhoea

Common

Nausea3

Common

Vomiting

Common

Indigestion

Uncommon

Antibiotic-associated colitis4

Not known

Black hairy tongue

Not known

Tooth discolouration11

Not known

Hepatobiliary disorders

Rises in AST and/or ALT5

Uncommon

Hepatitis6

Not known

Cholestatic jaundice6

Not known

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders 7

Skin rash

Uncommon

Pruritus

Uncommon

Urticaria

Uncommon

Erythema multiforme

Rare

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Not known

Toxic epidermal necrolysis

Not known

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)

Not known

Bullous exfoliative-dermatitis

Not known

Acute generalised exanthemous pustulosis (AGEP)9

Not known

Renal and urinary disorders

Interstitial nephritis

Not known

*8

Crystalluria

Not known

i See section 4.4

2 See section 4.4

3 Nausea is more often associated with higher oral doses. If gastrointestinal reactions are evident, they may be reduced by taking Co-Amoxiclav at the start of a meal.

4 Including pseudomembranous colitis and haemorrhagic colitis (see section 4.4)

5 A moderate rise in AST and/or ALT has been noted in patients treated with betalactam class antibiotics, but the significance of these findings is unknown.

6 These events have been noted with other penicillins and cephalosporins (see section 4.4).

7 If any hypersensitivity dermatitis reaction occurs, treatment should be discontinued (see section 4.4).

8 See section 4.9

9 See section 4.4

io See sections 4.3 and 4.4

ii Superficial tooth discolouration has been reported very rarely in children. Good oral hygiene may help to prevent tooth discolouration as it can usually be removed by brushing.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

4.9 Overdose

4.9 Overdose

Symptoms and signs of overdose

Gastrointestinal symptoms and disturbance of the fluid and electrolyte balances may be evident. Amoxicillin crystalluria, in some cases leading to renal failure, has been observed (see section 4.4).

Convulsions may occur in patients with impaired renal function or in those receiving high doses.

Amoxicillin has been reported to precipitate in bladder catheters, predominantly after intravenous administration of large doses. A regular check of patency should be maintained (see section 4.4).

Treatment of intoxication

Gastrointestinal symptoms may be treated symptomatically, with attention to the water/electrolyte balance.

Amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid can be removed from the circulation by haemodialysis.

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Combinations of penicillins, incl. beta-lactamase inhibitors; ATC code: J01CR02.

Mode of action

Amoxicillin is a semisynthetic penicillin (beta-lactam antibiotic) that inhibits one or more enzymes (often referred to as penicillin-binding proteins, PBPs) in the biosynthetic pathway of bacterial peptidoglycan, which is an integral structural component of the bacterial cell wall. Inhibition of peptidoglycan synthesis leads to weakening of the cell wall, which is usually followed by cell lysis and death.

Amoxicillin is susceptible to degradation by beta-lactamases produced by resistant bacteria and therefore the spectrum of activity of amoxicillin alone does not include organisms which produce these enzymes.

Clavulanic acid is a beta-lactam structurally related to penicillins. It inactivates some beta-lactamase enzymes thereby preventing inactivation of amoxicillin. Clavulanic acid alone does not exert a clinically useful antibacterial effect.

PK/PD relationship

The time above the minimum inhibitory concentration (T>MIC) is considered to be the major determinant of efficacy for amoxicillin.

Mechanisms of resistance

The two main mechanisms of resistance to amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid are:

Inactivation by those bacterial beta-lactamases that are not themselves inhibited by clavulanic acid, including class B, C and D.

Alteration of PBPs, which reduce the affinity of the antibacterial agent for the target.

Impermeability of bacteria or efflux pump mechanisms may cause or contribute to bacterial resistance, particularly in Gram-negative bacteria.

Breakpoints

MIC breakpoints for amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid are those of the European

Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST)

Organism

Susceptibility Breakpoints (jrg/ml)

Susceptible

Intermediate

Resistant

Haemophilus influenzae1

< 1

> 1

Moraxella catarrhalis1

< 1

> 1

Staphylococcus aureus 2

< 2

> 2

Coagulase-negative staphylococci 2

< 0.25

> 0.25

i i 1

Enterococcus

< 4

8

> 8

Streptococcus A, B, C, G5

< 0.25

> 0.25

Streptococcus 3     3

pneumoniae

< 0.5

1–2

> 2

Enterobacteri­aceae1,4

> 8

Gram-negative Anaerobes1

< 4

8

> 8

Gram-positive Anaerobes1

< 4

8

> 8

Non-species related breakpoints1

< 2

4–8

> 8

1 The reported values are for Amoxicillin concentrations. For susceptibility testing purposes, the concentration of Clavulanic acid is fixed at 2 mg/l.

2 The reported values are Oxacillin concentrations.

3 Breakpoint values in the table are based on Ampicillin breakpoints.

4 The resistant breakpoint of R>8 mg/l ensures that all isolates with resistance mechanisms are reported resistant.

5 Breakpoint values in the table are based on Benzylpenicillin breakpoints.

The prevalence of resistance may vary geographically and with time for selected species, and local information on resistance is desirable, particularly when treating severe infections. As necessary, expert advice should be sought when the local prevalence of resistance is such that the utility of the agent in at least some types of infections is questionable.

Commonly susceptible species

Aerobic Gram-positive micro-organisms

Enterococcus faecalis

Gardnerella vaginalis

Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible)£

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (methicillin-susceptible)

Streptococcus agalactiae

Streptococcus pneumoniae1

Streptococcus pyogenes and other beta-haemolytic streptococci

Streptococcus viridans group

Aerobic Gram-negative micro-organisms Capnocytophaga spp.

Eikenella corrodens

2

Haemophilus influenzae

Moraxella catarrhalis

Pasteurella multocida

Anaerobic micro-organisms

Bacteroides fragilis

Fusobacterium nucleatum

Prevotella spp.___________­________________________­________________________­_______

Species for which acquired resistance may be a problem________­_________________

Aerobic Gram-positive micro-organisms

Enterococcus faecium $

Aerobic Gram-negative micro-organisms

Escherichia coli

Klebsiella oxytoca

Klebsiella pneumoniae

Proteus mirabilis

Proteus vulgaris_________­________________________­________________________­________

Inherently resistant organisms__________­________________________­__________________

Aerobic Gram-negative micro-organisms

Acinetobacter sp.

Citrobacter freundii

Enterobacter sp.

Legionella pneumophila

Morganella morganii

Providencia spp.

Pseudomonas sp.

Serratia sp.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Other micro-organisms

Chlamydophila pneumoniae

Chlamydophila psittaci

Coxiella burnetti

Mycoplasma pneumoniae___________­________________________­___________

$ Natural intermediate susceptibility in the absence of acquired mechanism of resistance.

£All methicillin-resistant staphylococci are resistant to amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid 1Streptococcus pneumoniae that are resistant to penicillin should not be treated with this presentation of amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).

2 Strains with decreased susceptibility have been reported in some countries in the EU with a frequency higher than 10%.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Absorption

Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, are fully dissociated in aqueous solution at physiological pH. Both components are rapidly and well absorbed by the oral route of administration. Absorption of amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid is optimised when taken at the start of a meal. Following oral administration, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are approximately 70% bioavailable. The plasma profiles of both components are similar and the time to peak plasma concentration (Tmax) in each case is approximately one hour.

The pharmacokinetic results for a study, in which amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid (500 mg/125 mg tablets three times daily) was administered in the fasting state to groups of healthy volunteers are presented below.

Mean (± SD) p'

harmacokinetic parameters

Active substance(s) administered

Dose

Cmax

Tmax *

AUC (0–24h)

T 1/2

(mg)

(pg/ml)

(h)

((pg.h/ml)

(h)

Amoxicillin

AMX/CA 500/125 mg

500

7.19 ± 2.26

1.5 (1.0–2.5)

53.5 ± 8.87

1.15

± 0.20

Clavulanic acid

AMX/CA 500 mg/125 mg

125

2.40 ± 0.83

1.5 (1.0–2.0)

15.72 ±

3.86

0.98 ± 0.12

AMX – amoxicillin, CA – clavulanic acid * Median (range)

Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid serum concentrations achieved with amoxicillin/ clavulanic acid are similar to those produced by the oral administration of equivalent doses of amoxicillin or clavulanic acid alone.

Distribution

About 25% of total plasma clavulanic acid and 18% of total plasma amoxicillin is bound to protein. The apparent volume of distribution is around 0.3–0.4 l/kg for amoxicillin and around 0.2 l/kg for clavulanic acid.

Following intravenous administration, both amoxicillin and clavulanic acid have been found in gall bladder, abdominal tissue, skin, fat, muscle tissues, synovial and peritoneal fluids, bile and pus. Amoxicillin does not adequately distribute into the cerebrospinal flu­id.

From animal studies there is no evidence for significant tissue retention of drug-derived material for either component. Amoxicillin, like most penicillins, can be detected in breast milk. Trace quantities of clavulanic acid can also be detected in breast milk (see section 4.6).

Both amoxicillin and clavulanic acid have been shown to cross the placental barrier (see section 4.6).

Biotransformation

Amoxicillin is partly excreted in the urine as the inactive penicilloic acid in quantities equivalent to up to 10 to 25% of the initial dose. Clavulanic acid is extensively metabolized in man and eliminated in urine and faeces and as carbon dioxide in expired air.

Elimination

The major route of elimination for amoxicillin is via the kidney, whereas for clavulanic acid it is by both renal and non-renal mechanisms.

Amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid has a mean elimination half-life of approximately one hour and a mean total clearance of approximately 25 l/h in healthy subjects. Approximately 60 to 70% of the amoxicillin and approximately 40 to 65% of the clavulanic acid are excreted unchanged in urine during the first 6 h after administration of single Co-amoxiclav 250 mg/125 mg or 500 mg/125 mg tablets. Various studies have found the urinary excretion to be 50–85% for amoxicillin and between 27–60% for clavulanic acid over a 24 hour period. In the case of clavulanic acid, the largest amount of drug is excreted during the first 2 hours after administration.

Concomitant use of probenecid delays amoxicillin excretion but does not delay renal excretion of clavulanic acid (see section 4.5).

Age

The elimination half-life of amoxicillin is similar for children aged around 3 months to 2 years and older children and adults. For very young children (including preterm newborns) in the first week of life the interval of administration should not exceed twice daily administration due to immaturity of the renal pathway of elimination. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.

Gender

Following oral administration of amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid to healthy males and female subjects, gender has no significant impact on the pharmacokinetics of either amoxicillin or clavulanic acid.

Renal impairment

The total serum clearance of amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid decreases proportionately with decreasing renal function. The reduction in drug clearance is more pronounced for amoxicillin than for clavulanic acid, as a higher proportion of amoxicillin is excreted via the renal route. Doses in renal impairment must therefore prevent undue accumulation of amoxicillin while maintaining adequate levels of clavulanic acid (see section 4.2).

Hepatic impairment

Hepatically impaired patients should be dosed with caution and hepatic function monitored at regular intervals.

5.3 Preclinical safety data

Nonclinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on studies of safety pharmacology, genotoxicity and toxicity to reproduction.

Repeat dose toxicity studies performed in dogs with amoxicillin/cla­vulanic acid demonstrate gastric irritancy and vomiting, and discoloured tongue.

Carcinogenicity studies have not been conducted with Co-amoxiclav or its components.

6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS

6.1 List of excipients

Xanthan gum (E415)

Aspartame (E951)

Silicon dioxide (E551)

Colloidal silica

Anhydrous citric acid

Hypromellose

Flavour Orange Dry Powder

Flavour Raspberry Dry Powder

Flavour Golden Dry Powder

6.2 Incompatibilities

None known.

6.3 Shelf life

Dry powder: 2 years.

Reconstituted suspensions: 7 days when stored in a refrigerator (2–8°C).

6.4 Special precautions for storage

Powder for suspension: Do not store above 25°C. Keep the bottle tightly closed.

Reconstituted suspension: Store at 2–8°C. Do not freeze.

6.5 Nature and contents of container

107ml glass, round shaped bottle containing an off-white dry powder. The bottle is fitted with a polypropylene child resistant cap and packed in cartons with a 20ml measuring cup with 2.5ml graduations

Or

107ml glass, round shaped bottle containing an off-white dry powder. The bottle is fitted with bromobutyl plug and polypropylene tamper evident cap with pilfer proof ring and packed in cartons with a 20ml measuring cup with 2.5ml graduations

6.6 Special precautions for disposal

At time of dispensing, 58ml of water is added to the dry powder to form 70ml of oral suspension.

The Pharmacist should shake the suspension for 2 minutes and should then check for any particulates.

When reconstituted, an off-white suspension is formed

7. Marketing Authorisation Holder

7. Marketing Authorisation Holder

Medreich Plc

Warwick House

Plane Tree Crescent

Feltham

TW13 7HF

8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

PL 21880/0011

9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THEAUTHORISATION

29/06/2009