Augmentin is a brand name for a fixed combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Which two components are present?

• A. Amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium
• B. Amoxicillin alone
• C. Penicillin G and potassium
• D. Cefazolin and clavulanate

Answer: (A)

Augmentin combines a penicillin-type antibiotic with a beta-lactamase inhibitor. The two components present are amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium. Amoxicillin disrupts bacterial cell wall synthesis, but many bacteria produce beta-lactamase enzymes that inactivate penicillins. Clavulanate potassium blocks those enzymes, protecting amoxicillin and extending its activity against beta-lactamase–producing organisms. Amoxicillin alone would be broken down by beta-lactamases; penicillin G and potassium is a different penicillin formulation, and cefazolin with clavulanate is not the standard Augmentin combination.