Last reviewed · How we verify

Amoxicillin clavulanic

Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid is a combination antibiotic that kills bacteria by inhibiting cell wall synthesis, with clavulanic acid protecting amoxicillin from enzymatic degradation by beta-lactamases.

Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid is a combination antibiotic that kills bacteria by inhibiting cell wall synthesis, with clavulanic acid protecting amoxicillin from enzymatic degradation by beta-lactamases. Used for Bacterial infections caused by beta-lactamase-producing organisms (respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, otitis media), Helicobacter pylori eradication (as part of combination therapy).

At a glance

Generic nameAmoxicillin clavulanic
Also known asOptamox
SponsorHospital Italiano de Buenos Aires
Drug classBeta-lactam antibiotic with beta-lactamase inhibitor
TargetPenicillin-binding proteins (PBPs); bacterial beta-lactamases
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaInfectious Disease
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Amoxicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that binds to penicillin-binding proteins and inhibits bacterial cell wall cross-linking, leading to cell lysis and death. Clavulanic acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that irreversibly binds to and inactivates bacterial beta-lactamases, enzymes that would otherwise destroy amoxicillin. This combination extends amoxicillin's spectrum to include beta-lactamase-producing organisms.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: