Clavulanate Potassium
Clavulanate potassium is a beta-lactamase inhibitor used in combination with antibiotics like amoxicillin to treat bacterial infections. It works by protecting the antibiotic from being broken down by resistant bacteria, allowing the medication to effectively eliminate the infection. This combination is commonly prescribed for respiratory, urinary, skin, and other bacterial infections.
Clavulanate potassium is an antibiotic enhancer that overcomes bacterial resistance when combined with drugs like amoxicillin.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 831418
- Generic
- Clavulanate Potassium
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treats respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and other bacterial infections when combined with amoxicillin. Particularly useful against beta-lactamase producing organisms.
Acts as a beta-lactamase inhibitor by binding irreversibly to bacterial beta-lactamase enzymes, preventing them from destroying the companion antibiotic. This restores antibiotic effectiveness against resistant bacteria that would otherwise be unaffected.
Always used in combination with another antibiotic, never alone. Contraindicated in patients with penicillin allergy. May cause gastrointestinal effects including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Can rarely cause liver dysfunction. May interact with blood thinners like warfarin. Complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy