How does Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate) work?

Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate) is a combination of two medications that work together to treat infections.

Amoxicillin belongs to a drug class called penicillin antibiotics. It kills bacteria by preventing them from making their protective covering that normally shields them from harm.
Clavulanate (also known as clavulanic acid) is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. A beta-lactamase is a protein that bacteria use to break down amoxicillin and cause amoxicillin (the antibiotic) to not work. By blocking beta-lactamase from working, clavulanate protects amoxicillin from being broken down. This helps amoxicillin work better at fighting infections.

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Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate) is a combination of two medications that work together to treat infections.

Amoxicillin belongs to a drug class called penicillin antibiotics. It kills bacteria by preventing them from making their protective covering that normally shields them from harm.
Clavulanate (also known as clavulanic acid) is a beta-lactamase inhibitor. A beta-lactamase is a protein that bacteria use to break down amoxicillin and cause amoxicillin (the antibiotic) to not work. By blocking beta-lactamase from working, clavulanate protects amoxicillin from being broken down. This helps amoxicillin work better at fighting infections.

Was this article helpful?