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Clavulanic Acid

Clavulanic acid is the beta-lactamase inhibitor paired with amoxicillin in Augmentin, a combination tablet for bacterial infections. The single listed product comes in three strength pairs, from 250 mg plus 125 mg up to 875 mg plus 125 mg.

Augmentin

Bacterial Infections, Sinusitis, Otitis Media

250mg + 125mg · 500mg + 125mg · 875mg + 125mg

Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid tablets for bacterial infections. Clavulanic acid protects amoxicillin from being broken down by resistant bacteria.

From$1.51/ tabletView

Key points

  • Do not take this combination if you have had liver problems linked to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid or a serious beta-lactam allergy.
  • This ingredient appears paired with amoxicillin; no standalone clavulanic acid product is listed.

How does clavulanic acid work?

Clavulanic acid has no meaningful antibacterial effect on its own. Its role in Augmentin is protective: it neutralises the beta-lactamase enzymes that resistant bacteria secrete, so amoxicillin survives to clear the infection. The combination is used for bacterial infections and sinusitis where the organisms are susceptible to amoxicillin but produce those enzymes. It sits in the Antibiotics category.

Further reading