Clavulanic Acid
Clavulanic acid inhibits selected bacterial beta-lactamases and is used with a penicillin antibiotic. The active combination, not clavulanic acid alone, determines treatment.
Key points
- Clavulanic acid expands activity against selected beta-lactamase-producing bacteria but does not overcome all antibiotic resistance.
- The companion antibiotic, formulation and ingredient ratio must match the prescription.
- Liver injury and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea are important combination-product risks.
Listings are for comparison only; suitability and supply depend on the complete antibiotic product, bacterial infection, prescription and pharmacy checks.
What clavulanic acid is used for
It is paired with a penicillin for selected bacterial infections. It should not be selected separately or used for viral illness.
How it works
Clavulanic acid binds to selected beta-lactamase enzymes, protecting the companion penicillin from breakdown.
Important safety checks
Review severe beta-lactam allergy, previous combination-related jaundice or liver injury, liver or kidney disease, pregnancy, anticoagulants and previous antibiotic-associated colitis.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent help for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, blistering skin, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, or severe or bloody diarrhoea.

