Amoxicillin-clavulanate is a commonly used antibiotic for acute otitis media (middle ear infection), particularly when first-line treatments are ineffective or when resistant bacteria are suspected. It combines amoxicillin, which kills bacteria by interfering with cell wall formation, with clavulanate, which blocks bacterial enzymes that can make some infections resistant to standard antibiotics. This broader coverage helps treat common ear infection bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Augmentin is generally effective but can sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea or stomach upset. It is typically used when symptoms are more severe, persistent, or when a patient has recently taken other antibiotics.