Augmentin® in Community-Acquired Respiratory Infections: Advancing Antimicrobial Therapy

Amoxicillin/clavulanate remains a cornerstone treatment for community-acquired respiratory tract infections amid rising antimicrobial resistance. Used for over 20 years, amoxicillin/clavulanate offers broad-spectrum antibacterial coverage, particularly against β-lactamase-producing pathogens, with a strong pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profile contributing to its sustained clinical efficacy. Despite global resistance trends—especially in Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis—its low tendency to select for resistance has preserved its utility. New high-dose adult and pediatric formulations have been developed to combat drug-resistant strains. With over 819 million treatment courses worldwide and a consistent safety profile, the drug remains widely endorsed in treatment guidelines for bacterial sinusitis, otitis media, pneumonia, and bronchitis.