Explain the role of clavulanic acid in Augmentin? What is it about clavulanic acid’s chemical structure that allows this role. What name is given to the action of clavulanic acid on β-lactamase?

Answer 1

Bacteria secrete an enzyme called beta-lactamase. This enzyme allows for the bacteria to cleave the beta lactam ring found in antibiotics such as Augmentin. Augmentin affects the bacteria by attacking proteins used in cell wall synthesis. If the bacteria cannot form a cell wall, then it will not be able to survive. By changing the shape and properties of the antibiotic, it is rendered useless. Clavulanic acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor meaning it prevents the bacteria from secreting the beta-lactamase enzyme that would render the antibiotic useless. It works in conjunction with a penicillin based antibiotic to overcome antibiotic resistance.