Generic Augmentin XR

The patent for brand-name Augmentin XR expired in April 2010, and now the antibiotic is available in generic form. Each tablet contains 1000 mg of amoxicillin and 62.5 mg of clavulanate potassium. Although generic Augmentin XR is considered equivalent to the brand-name product, generic versions can be made with different inactive ingredients, which could cause problems for people with certain sensitivities.

Augmentin XR Medication Information

Can I Buy Generic Augmentin XR?

Augmentin XR^® (amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium XR) is a prescription medication approved for treating sinus infections and pneumonia. It is a long-acting combination medication that is taken twice a day by mouth. It is not the same as regular Augmentin or even Augmentin ES.

Brand-name Augmentin XR is made by GlaxoSmithKline. However, the patents for this medication expired in April 2010, and Augmentin XR is now available in generic form.

Available Strengths

Like brand-name Augmentin XR, the generic version is available in just one strength -- amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium extended release 1000 mg/62.5 mg. Each tablet contains 1000 mg of amoxicillin and 62.5 mg of clavulanate potassium.

Sandoz was the first manufacturer to make a generic version of Augmentin XR.

Is the Generic as Good as Augmentin XR?

All generic medications must undergo certain tests to compare them to brand-name medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then looks at these tests to decide if the generics are equivalent to the brand-name medications and assigns a rating to each one.

An "AB" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand-name medication. Generic Augmentin XR has an "AB" rating, which means it should be equivalent to brand-name Augmentin XR.

However, generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients than the brand-name medication. This might include fillers, dyes, or other ingredients that may cause problems for people with allergies or sensitivities.