What is Clavulanic acid?
Clavulanic acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor used in combination with antibiotics, such as amoxicillin and Augmentin, to enhance their effectiveness against certain types of bacterial infections. It works by blocking the action of an enzyme called beta-lactamase that some bacteria produce to make themselves resistant to antibiotics. By inhibiting this enzyme, clavulanic acid allows the antibiotic to penetrate and kill the bacteria more effectively. Clavulanic acid is often used in combination with other medications to treat respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria.
What is Clavulanic acid used for?
Clavulanic acid, also known as Clavulanate, is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that is commonly used in combination with other antibiotics. It is structurally related to the penicillin molecule but lacks significant antibacterial activity on its own. Instead, clavulanic acid acts by inhibiting the action of bacterial beta-lactamases, which are enzymes produced by certain bacteria that can break down and inactivate many types of antibiotics.
By combining with clavulanic acid, other antibiotics such as amoxicillin and ticarcillin can be protected from being broken down by beta-lactamase enzymes. This allows the antibiotic to be effective against a broader range of bacterial infections, including those caused by bacteria that produce beta-lactamases. Clavulanic acid is usually administered in combination with other antibiotics, as its antibacterial activity on its own is not sufficient to treat infections. The addition of clavulanic acid has been shown to enhance the efficacy and spectrum of action of many antibiotic combinations, making it a valuable tool in treating bacterial infections.
Clavulanic acid side effects
- Abnormal liver function
- Allergic reactions
- Biliary disease
- Blood disorders
- Cough
- Decreased neutrophil count
- Difficulty breathing
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Increased serum transaminases
- Infection
- Joint pain
- Memory problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rash
- Seizure
- Skin reaction
- Sore throat
- Stomach pain
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