Megamentin Duo Syrup

How to use Megamentin Duo Syrup

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Megamentin Duo Syrup is to be taken with food.

How Medicine Works

Megamentin Duo Syrup is an antibiotic. It has two active agents, amoxycillin and clavulanic acid. Amoxycillin works by preventing the formation of the bacterial protective covering (cell wall) essential for the survival of the bacteria. Whereas, clavulanic acid serves a special purpose of inhibiting an enzyme (beta-lactamase) that is produced by resistant bacteria. This makes the combination of amoxycillin and clavulanic acid an effective line of treatment for many types of infections.

Expert Advice

• Your child must complete the entire course of antibiotics. Stopping too soon may cause the bacteria to multiply again, become resistant, or cause another infection.
• Your child may have a bitter taste in the mouth after the intake of Megamentin Duo Syrup. Eating citrus fruit or sipping plenty of water or fruit juice may help.
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of water in case diarrhea develops as a side effect.
• Never give Megamentin Duo Syrup until and unless prescribed by the doctor. You must also never share your child’s medicine with anyone else even if they show similar symptoms.
• Do not give Megamentin Duo Syrup to treat common cold and flu-like symptoms caused by viruses.
• Never save medicine for future illnesses. It cannot be said whether the same medicine will work on future infections.
• Check ‘expiry’ before giving Megamentin Duo Syrup to your child. Immediately discard all the expired medicines.
• Stop Megamentin Duo Syrup immediately if your child develops an itchy rash, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty. Report to the doctor without any delay. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can other medicines be given at the same time as Megamentin Duo Syrup?

  Megamentin Duo Syrup can sometimes interact with other medicines or substances. Tell your doctor about any other medicines your child is taking before starting Megamentin Duo Syrup. Also, check with your child’s doctor before giving any medicine to your child.

• Can I get my child vaccinated while on treatment with Megamentin Duo Syrup?

  Antibiotics usually do not interfere with the ingredients in vaccines or cause a bad reaction in a child who has just been vaccinated. However, children taking antibiotics should not get vaccinated until they recover from the illness. As soon as your child feels better, the vaccine can be given.

• Which lab tests may my child undergo while taking Megamentin Duo Syrup on a long-term basis?

  With prolonged therapy, the doctor may monitor kidney and liver function tests periodically to keep a check on your child’s condition.

• Can I give a higher than the recommended dose of Megamentin Duo Syrup to my child?

  No, giving a higher than the recommended dose of this medicine can increase the risks of side effects. If your child experiences increased severity of symptoms, please consult your doctor for re-evaluation.

• Can I stop giving Megamentin Duo Syrup to my child when the symptoms are relieved?

  No, do not stop giving this medicine to your child unless the full course of the treatment is complete, even if you feel better. The symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. Hence, continue giving the medicine for the due course as it may still be showing beneficial effects.

• Can the use of Megamentin Duo Syrup cause diarrhea?

  Yes, Megamentin Duo Syrup may cause diarrhea. It is an antibiotic that kills harmful bacteria. In addition to that, the medicine may also affect the helpful bacteria in your child’s stomach and cause diarrhea. In case of diarrhea, encourage your child to drink plenty of water or other fluids. Talk to your doctor if diarrhea persists and you notice any signs of dehydration, like less frequency of urination with dark-colored and strong-smelling urine. Do not give any other medicine to your child without consulting a doctor.

• Do all viral common colds result in secondary bacterial infection?

  Most of the time, bacterial infections do not follow viral infections. In fact, giving antibiotics in viral infection can increase your child’s risk of developing side effects. So, use antibiotics only after consulting with your child’s doctor.

• The mucus coming out of my child’s nose is yellow-green. Is it a sign of a bacterial infection?

  Yellow or green mucus in the nose does not mean that antibiotics are needed. During a common cold, it is normal for mucus to thicken up and change from clear to yellow or green. Symptoms often last for 7-10 days.

• Is there any sign which shows that my child needs immediate medical attention?

  You must call your child’s doctor right away if your child experiences serious allergic reactions (breathing problems, skin rashes), gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea), and liver damage (weakness, paleness, vomiting). Though rare, these side effects are serious and need an expert’s attention.