indication

For use with Amoxicillin, clavulanic acid is suitable for the treatment of infections with Staph. aureus and Bacteroides fragilis, or with beta-lactamase producing H. influenzae and E. coli.

pharmacology

Clavulanic acid, produced by the fermentation of Streptomyces Clavuligerus, is a beta-lactam structurally related to the penicillins. Clavulanic acid is used in conjunction with amoxicillin for the treatment of bronchitis and urinary tract, skin, and soft tissue infections caused by beta-lactamase producing organisms.

mechanism of action

Clavulanic acid competitively and irreversibly inhibits a wide variety of beta-lactamases, commonly found in microorganisms resistant to penicillins and cephalosporins. Binding and irreversibly inhibiting the beta-lactamase results in a restauration of the antimicrobial activity of beta-lactam antibiotics against lactamase-secreting-resistant bacteria. By inactivating beta-lactamase (the bacterial resistance protein), the accompanying penicillin/cephalosporin drugs may be made more potent as well.

toxicity

Gastrointestinal symptoms including stomach and abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rash, hyperactivity, or drowsiness have also been observed in a small number of patients

biotransformation

Hepatic

absorption

75%

half life

1.0 hour

drug interactions

Demeclocycline: Possible antagonism of action

Doxycycline: Possible antagonism of action

Ethinyl Estradiol: This anti-infectious agent could decrease the effect of the oral contraceptive

Mestranol: This anti-infectious agent could decrease the effect of the oral contraceptive

Methacycline: Possible antagonism of action

Methotrexate: The penicillin increases the effect and toxicity of methotrexate

Minocycline: Possible antagonism of action

Oxytetracycline: Possible antagonism of action

Rolitetracycline: Possible antagonism of action

Tetracycline: Possible antagonism of action