Augmentin is a popular antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It’s a combination drug, meaning it contains two active ingredients working together.
These ingredients are amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that fights bacteria by preventing them from building cell walls. However, some bacteria produce an enzyme called beta-lactamase, which can break down amoxicillin, rendering it ineffective. This is where clavulanate potassium comes in.
Clavulanate potassium inhibits beta-lactamase, protecting the amoxicillin and allowing it to work effectively against bacteria that would otherwise resist it. This combination broadens Augmentin’s antibacterial spectrum.
| Amoxicillin | Penicillin antibiotic; prevents bacterial cell wall synthesis |
| Clavulanate Potassium | Beta-lactamase inhibitor; protects amoxicillin from degradation |
Different Augmentin formulations contain varying amounts of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium, tailored for different infections and patient needs. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage and treatment duration.
