What class of antibiotics does clavulanate belong to?

Clavulanate is classified as a β-lactamase inhibitor. It is often used in combination with other antibiotics, particularly penicillins, to enhance their effectiveness against bacteria that produce β-lactamase enzymes, which can inactivate many β-lactam antibiotics. By inhibiting these enzymes, clavulanate helps to restore the activity of the companion antibiotic against resistant bacterial strains.

In the context of clinical use, clavulanate is commonly paired with amoxicillin to create a combination therapy that is more effective against certain infections, particularly those caused by organisms that would typically resist treatment with standard penicillins alone. This strategy is crucial in combating antibiotic resistance and expanding the range of infections that can be effectively treated.