Can adults with cold, fever, and cough take amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate dry suspension?

Mar 31, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I found out my father had a fever this morning. I would like to know whether adult patients with common cold, fever, and cough can take Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulanate Dry Suspension.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Ren Yi

Whether adults with common cold, fever, and cough can take amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate dry suspension depends on the specific circumstances.

Amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate dry suspension is a penicillin-class antibiotic used primarily to treat bacterial infections such as upper and lower respiratory tract infections, acute and chronic bronchitis. If an adult's cold, fever, and cough are caused by bacterial infection and the individual is not allergic to penicillin antibiotics, this medication may be used under a doctor's guidance.

However, if the cold, fever, and cough are caused by a viral infection or other non-bacterial factors, using amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate dry suspension may not be effective and could even lead to unnecessary side effects. When using this medication, certain precautions must be taken, such as adjusting the dosage under medical supervision for individuals with impaired liver or kidney function, and contraindicating its use for those allergic to penicillin antibiotics.

Therefore, it is recommended that adults experiencing symptoms of cold, fever, and cough first consult a physician or pharmacist. Self-medicating with antibiotics without a clear diagnosis may not only delay treatment but also increase unnecessary health risks.