Which of the following is a beta-lactamase inhibitor?

Clavulanate is classified as a beta-lactamase inhibitor, and its primary role is to extend the effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillins, against bacteria that produce beta-lactamase enzymes. These enzymes are capable of breaking down the beta-lactam ring found in many antibiotics, rendering them ineffective. By combining clavulanate with a beta-lactam antibiotic, the beta-lactamase enzyme is inhibited, which allows the antibiotic to effectively target and kill the bacteria.

In contrast, amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic that is susceptible to degradation by beta-lactamases, meaning it cannot provide the same protective effect as clavulanate. Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, which also does not possess beta-lactamase inhibiting properties. Tetracycline is a different class of antibiotic altogether and is not involved in beta-lactam inhibition. Thus, while amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline are important antibiotics, only clavulanate serves as a beta-lactamase inhibitor, enhancing the efficacy of certain antibiotics against resistant bacterial strains.