How long after starting Augmentin will fever go away?

October 13, 2025 •

2 min read

Most patients taking antibiotics like Augmentin can expect to see a noticeable improvement in their symptoms, including a fever, within 24 to 72 hours of starting the medication. However, the exact timeline for how long after starting Augmentin will fever go away depends on various factors, such as the type and severity of the infection.

Quick Summary

Fever reduction after taking Augmentin typically occurs within 1 to 3 days as the antibiotic combats the bacterial infection. Factors like infection type, severity, and the possibility of a viral cause can affect recovery time. If fever persists past 72 hours, medical re-evaluation is necessary.

Key Points

Initial improvement: Fever should begin to decrease within 24 to 72 hours of starting Augmentin for a bacterial infection.
Factors affect speed: The exact timeline depends on the infection type, its severity, and the patient's individual response.
Persistent fever warning: If a fever lasts beyond 72 hours, worsens, or returns, contact a healthcare provider immediately for reassessment.
Non-bacterial causes: Augmentin does not treat viral infections, so a viral co-infection could cause a persistent fever.
Consider drug fever: In rare cases, Augmentin itself can cause a fever, which typically resolves after stopping the medication.
Complete the full course: Always finish the entire Augmentin prescription, even if you feel better, to prevent a relapse and antibiotic resistance.
Supportive care helps: Staying hydrated, resting, and using OTC fever reducers can provide comfort while the antibiotic works.

Understanding the Timeline for Fever Reduction with Augmentin

Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate) is an antibiotic prescribed for bacterial infections. While it begins to combat bacteria after the first dose, fever reduction may take longer as the body responds. Generally, a noticeable improvement in symptoms, including fever, is expected within 24 to 72 hours of starting Augmentin. For certain infections like strep throat, fever may resolve within 48 hours. It's normal to still have a fever during this initial period, but the fever's intensity should decrease, and you should feel better overall.

What can affect the fever recovery timeline?

Factors influencing how quickly a fever resolves on Augmentin include:

Type and severity of infection: Different infections and their intensity impact response time.
Viral co-infection: Augmentin doesn't treat viruses, so a co-existing viral infection can prolong fever.
Antibiotic resistance: If bacteria are resistant to Augmentin, the fever won't improve.
Complexity of infection: Hidden or complicated infections may delay recovery.
Medication adherence: Taking Augmentin as prescribed is crucial for effective treatment.

What to do if the fever persists

Contact your healthcare provider if your fever lasts beyond 72 hours or worsens after starting Augmentin. This may indicate:

An incorrect diagnosis.
Bacteria resistant to Augmentin.
A rare drug-induced fever from Augmentin, which typically resolves after stopping the medication.
Infection complications.

Supportive care measures while on Augmentin

To manage fever while on Augmentin:

Stay hydrated by drinking fluids.
Rest to help your immune system.
Use over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed by your doctor.
Wear light clothing.

Comparison of typical fever resolution times


Infection Type	Typical Fever Resolution Time with Augmentin	Key Considerations
Strep Throat	24–48 hours	Quicker response is common in uncomplicated cases.
Ear Infection (Otitis Media)	48–72 hours	Improvement in fever and pain is expected within this period.
Pneumonia (Bacterial)	24–72+ hours	Recovery can be slower; some patients may not see temperature reduction in the first 24 hours.
Sinus Infection (Bacterial)	48–72 hours	Improvement should be noticeable within this timeframe.
Viral Infection (Not Bacterial)	Not applicable	Augmentin does not treat viruses, so fever persists until the viral illness resolves.

The Importance of Completing the Full Course of Augmentin

Finish the entire Augmentin prescription, even if your fever and symptoms improve quickly. Stopping early can lead to infection relapse and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Always follow your doctor's instructions. For more information on proper antibiotic use, refer to resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Conclusion

A fever should typically begin to subside within 24 to 72 hours of starting Augmentin for most bacterial infections, indicating the medication is working. Recovery time can vary based on the infection. If fever persists or worsens after 72 hours, or if new symptoms appear, seek medical advice promptly. Completing the full course of Augmentin is crucial for a complete recovery and to prevent antibiotic resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is common to still have a fever during the first 24 hours of taking Augmentin. The medication needs time to reduce the bacterial load and allow your body’s inflammatory response to calm down. Improvement is expected over the next 1 to 3 days.

If your fever persists beyond 72 hours, you should contact your healthcare provider. This may indicate that the infection is more complicated, the bacteria are resistant to Augmentin, or that a viral infection is the true cause.

Yes, in rare cases, antibiotics like Augmentin can cause a drug-induced fever. This type of fever often appears later in the treatment course and is usually accompanied by other lab changes. It typically resolves within 48 hours of stopping the medication.

Yes, you must always complete the full course of Augmentin as prescribed, even if your fever and other symptoms have resolved. Stopping early can allow the remaining bacteria to become resistant and lead to a relapse.

Yes, it is generally safe for adults to take over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen with Augmentin. Always follow dosage instructions and inform your doctor, especially if you have other health issues.

A doctor's diagnosis is required to differentiate between a viral and bacterial infection. If a fever does not improve after 72 hours on Augmentin, it could suggest a viral infection, as antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.

There is no way to speed up the antibiotic's action. The best approach is to take Augmentin as prescribed and support your body's recovery with rest, plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter fever reducers for comfort.