# Amoxicillin-Clavulanate in Nigeria

Amoxicillin-Clavulanate has 89 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 50 registration holders; 159 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/augmentin/
- Drug class: Beta-lactam antibiotic with beta-lactamase inhibitor (Antibiotics)
- Also known as: Augmentin, Co-amoxiclav, Clavopil
- Prescription required: yes
- On the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- Last updated: October 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of October 2026, Amoxicillin-Clavulanate sells for about ₦13,700 for tablets online in Nigeria (Augmentin, Aquaclav) at HealthPlus and MedPlus; syrup ₦6,770–₦8,200. The online price is up 1% since July 2026. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.

## What is Amoxicillin-Clavulanate?

Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) is one of the most popular and widely prescribed antibiotics in Nigeria. It combines two active ingredients: amoxicillin, a penicillin-type antibiotic, and clavulanic acid, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. Many bacteria have developed the ability to produce enzymes called beta-lactamases that can break down and inactivate amoxicillin before it can work. Clavulanic acid blocks these enzymes, allowing amoxicillin to remain effective against bacteria that would otherwise be resistant to it. This combination makes Augmentin more powerful than plain amoxicillin against a wider range of infections.

In Nigeria, the brand name 'Augmentin' has become almost synonymous with the drug itself — many patients and even some healthcare workers simply refer to amoxicillin-clavulanate as 'Augmentin' regardless of the actual brand. It is available as tablets (375mg, 625mg, and 1g strengths), oral suspension for children, and as an injection for hospital use. The 625mg tablet is by far the most commonly dispensed strength in Nigerian pharmacies. Due to its broad-spectrum activity, Augmentin is frequently prescribed when a doctor suspects a resistant infection or when initial treatment with simpler antibiotics has failed.

While Augmentin is an extremely useful antibiotic, it is considerably more expensive than plain amoxicillin, which can be a significant consideration for many Nigerian patients. A course of original Augmentin can cost several times the price of plain amoxicillin, putting it out of reach for some families. This has unfortunately led to a thriving market in counterfeit and substandard Augmentin products. NAFDAC has repeatedly seized fake Augmentin across the country, and patients are strongly advised to verify their medication using the NAFDAC MAS (Mobile Authentication Service) before use.

Our October 2026 copy of the NAFDAC register lists 248 amoxicillin-clavulanate products, 89 of them with Active registrations. GSK's Augmentin 375 mg, 625 mg and 1 g tablets (04-2466, 04-1928, 04-8655) are Active; the Augmentin ES oral suspension (B4-0052) is recorded Inactive since December 2025. Sanofi's Fleming — the co-amoxiclav people type as 'leming 625' — has its 1000 mg tablet recorded Expired and its 457 mg/5 mL suspension Inactive in our copy, and Clavopil (C4-1599) is Inactive too. Pinnacle's Aquaclav 1 g (B4-6857) and a hundred other generics are Active, which is the point of this page: co-amoxiclav is not Augmentin, and the register holds many cheaper, current registrations of the same medicine.

## What is Amoxicillin-Clavulanate used for?

- Resistant bacterial infections that do not respond to plain amoxicillin
- Sinusitis (sinus infections) — acute and chronic
- Lower respiratory tract infections including community-acquired pneumonia and acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially complicated UTIs
- Skin and soft tissue infections including wound infections and cellulitis
- Dental abscesses and periodontal infections
- Otitis media (ear infections) that fail first-line therapy
- Animal and human bite wound infections
- Intra-abdominal infections (in combination with other agents)

## Dosage

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- Adults: The standard adult dose is one 625mg tablet taken twice daily, or one 375mg tablet taken three times daily. For more severe infections, one 1g tablet taken twice daily may be prescribed. Tablets should be taken at the start of a meal to reduce stomach side effects and improve absorption. A typical course lasts 5 to 7 days, though your doctor may prescribe a longer course for certain infections. Always complete the full course as prescribed.
- Children: Dosage for children is based on body weight and is calculated using the amoxicillin component. The usual dose is 25mg to 45mg per kilogram per day in two divided doses. Augmentin suspension is available in 228mg/5ml and 457mg/5ml strengths for children who cannot swallow tablets. Shake the suspension well before measuring each dose, and use the measuring device provided. The suspension should be stored in a refrigerator after reconstitution.
- Elderly: Elderly patients generally receive the standard adult dose, but dosage adjustment may be necessary in patients with impaired kidney function. Liver function should also be monitored during prolonged courses, as elderly patients are more susceptible to cholestatic jaundice associated with amoxicillin-clavulanate.

Take Augmentin at the start of a meal to minimise stomach upset. If you experience persistent diarrhoea, contact your healthcare provider. Do not crush or chew the tablets — swallow whole with water. Space your doses evenly throughout the day (e.g., every 12 hours for twice-daily dosing). Store reconstituted suspension in the refrigerator and discard after 7 days.

## Side effects

Common: Diarrhoea — more common with Augmentin than with plain amoxicillin due to the clavulanic acid component; Nausea and vomiting; Abdominal discomfort and bloating; Skin rash; Vaginal yeast infection (thrush) in women.

Serious (seek medical help immediately): Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat; Cholestatic jaundice and liver damage — may appear during or shortly after treatment, more common in older patients and with prolonged use; Stevens-Johnson syndrome — severe skin blistering and peeling; Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea — severe, persistent watery or bloody diarrhoea; Blood disorders — unusual bruising, bleeding, or severe fatigue.

When to see a doctor: Seek immediate medical attention if you develop difficulty breathing, facial swelling, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), dark urine, severe abdominal pain, or persistent watery or bloody diarrhoea. If you notice a widespread blistering rash, stop taking the medication and go to the nearest hospital immediately. In Nigeria, the nearest general hospital emergency department or a well-equipped private hospital should be your first port of call for serious reactions.

## Warnings

Do not take if: Known allergy to penicillin, amoxicillin, clavulanic acid, or any other beta-lactam antibiotic; History of liver problems or jaundice associated with amoxicillin-clavulanate use; Infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever) — risk of severe skin rash; Severe kidney impairment (dose adjustment required; certain formulations may be unsuitable).

Interactions: Warfarin — increased anticoagulant effect; INR should be monitored more frequently; Methotrexate — increased risk of methotrexate toxicity; Probenecid — increases blood levels of amoxicillin by reducing renal excretion; Allopurinol — increased risk of allergic skin reactions; Oral contraceptives — although evidence is limited, additional contraception may be advised during treatment; Mycophenolate mofetil — reduced effectiveness of this immunosuppressant.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Augmentin is generally considered safe during pregnancy when the benefits outweigh the risks. However, one study suggested a possible association between clavulanic acid and necrotising enterocolitis in premature infants when Augmentin was given to mothers before delivery, so it should be used with caution in late pregnancy. It is excreted in breast milk in small amounts and is usually compatible with breastfeeding, though the infant should be monitored for diarrhoea or thrush. Always consult your doctor before using Augmentin during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

## Brands in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Fleming 1000 (Sanofi-Aventis Nigeria Limited, made in India); Fleming 457 Suspension (Sanofi-Aventis Nigeria Limited, made in India); Augmentin 375 (GlaxoSmithKline, made in UK); Augmentin 625 (GlaxoSmithKline, made in UK); Augmentin 1G (GlaxoSmithKline, made in UK); Clavopil (Appealing Healthcare & Pharmacy, made in India); Clavumox (Ranbaxy, made in India); Augmentin Suspension (GSK, made in France); Aquaclav (Pinnacle Health Pharmaceutical & Stores Ltd, made in India).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/augmentin/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Check the NAFDAC registration number on the pack. In our October 2026 copy of the register Augmentin 375 (04-2466), Augmentin 625 (04-1928), Augmentin 1 g (04-8655) and Aquaclav 1 g (B4-6857) are Active; Augmentin ES suspension (B4-0052), Clavopil and the Fleming suspension are recorded Inactive and Fleming 1000 Expired — confirm those on the official Greenbook. Enter the number in our free NAFDAC checker and confirm the product name, strength and holder match the pack
2. Check for a valid NAFDAC registration number on the packaging. Genuine Augmentin and its generic equivalents must be NAFDAC-registered.
3. Scratch the authentication panel on the pack and send the code via SMS to 38353 (NAFDAC Mobile Authentication Service) to verify the product's authenticity.
4. Purchase only from registered pharmacies. Avoid buying from open markets, bus parks, or unregistered vendors where the risk of counterfeit products is highest.
5. Check the packaging carefully — fake products often have spelling errors, poor print quality, or incorrect colour shading compared to genuine products.
6. Verify the expiry date and batch number. Cross-reference these with the manufacturer's records if in doubt.
7. If the price is far below what other pharmacies charge for original Augmentin, exercise caution — it may be substandard or counterfeit.

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## FAQs

### What is the difference between Augmentin 625mg and Augmentin 1g?

Augmentin 625mg contains 500mg amoxicillin and 125mg clavulanic acid, while Augmentin 1g contains 875mg amoxicillin and 125mg clavulanic acid. The 1g strength is used for more severe infections and is taken twice daily, while the 625mg can be taken twice or three times daily depending on the prescriber. The clavulanic acid component remains the same in both strengths — only the amoxicillin dose increases.

### How can I tell if my Augmentin is original or fake?

Use the NAFDAC Mobile Authentication Service (MAS): scratch the panel on the pack and text the code to 38353. You will receive an SMS confirming whether the product is genuine. Also check for clear, high-quality printing on the packaging, a valid NAFDAC registration number, intact sealing, and proper spelling. Buy only from registered pharmacies. NAFDAC regularly publishes alerts about counterfeit Augmentin batches — check their website or social media pages for the latest alerts.

### Why is Augmentin more expensive than amoxicillin?

Augmentin costs more because it contains an additional active ingredient — clavulanic acid — which makes the manufacturing process more complex. The combination also requires specific storage conditions and more sophisticated quality control. Additionally, the original Augmentin is imported from the UK (GlaxoSmithKline), which adds import duties and logistics costs. Nigerian-made generics like Clavopil offer a more affordable alternative while providing the same therapeutic benefit.

### Can Augmentin treat typhoid fever?

Augmentin is sometimes used as part of combination therapy for typhoid fever in Nigeria, but it is not considered a first-line treatment. The Salmonella typhi bacteria that causes typhoid has shown increasing resistance to amoxicillin-based antibiotics. More commonly recommended antibiotics for typhoid include ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, and ceftriaxone, depending on local resistance patterns and the severity of the infection. Always consult a doctor and ideally get a blood culture before starting treatment for suspected typhoid.

### Why does Augmentin cause more stomach problems than plain amoxicillin?

The clavulanic acid component in Augmentin is the main reason for the increased gastrointestinal side effects, particularly diarrhoea and nausea. Clavulanic acid can irritate the gut lining and alter the normal bacterial balance in the intestines. Taking Augmentin at the start of a meal can significantly reduce these side effects. If stomach problems are severe, your doctor may recommend taking a probiotic alongside Augmentin or may switch you to an alternative antibiotic.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)