Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid therapy may be associated with severe side effects -- review of the literature.

Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid which is marketed for treatment of respiratory infections and sinusitis/otitis may in some cases induce severe adverse effects and death in patients of different age, especially if they are on multidrug regimens. In consideration of this fact many authors recommend to reflect carefully, whether amoxicillin-clavulanic acid is necessary in treatment of patients with localized or uncomplicated infections. If amoxicillin-clavulanic acid is prescribed, transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin tests should be obtained within the first two weeks and after four to five weeks after beginning of treatment to recognize early enough undesired hepatic side effects.