Augmentin combines amoxicillin with which agent?

• A. Clavulanic acid
• B. Sulbactam
• C. Tazobactam
• D. Avibactam

Answer: (A)

Beta-lactamase inhibitors are added to beta-lactam antibiotics to protect the antibiotic from bacterial enzymes that destroy it. Augmentin pairs amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, a beta-lactamase inhibitor that blocks the enzymes produced by certain bacteria. By inhibiting these enzymes, clavulanic acid prevents degradation of amoxicillin, allowing the drug to stay active against beta-lactamase–producing organisms and expand the antibiotic’s spectrum. Clavulanic acid isn’t a strong antibiotic on its own, but its role is to extend amoxicillin’s effectiveness. Other inhibitors exist and are paired with different antibiotics (for example, sulbactam with ampicillin, tazobactam with piperacillin, avibactam with ceftazidime), but the combination used in Augmentin is amoxicillin with clavulanic acid.