Classification of Augmentin (Amoxicillin-Clavulanate)
Augmentin is classified as an aminopenicillin plus beta-lactamase inhibitor combination antibiotic, consisting of the beta-lactam antibiotic amoxicillin combined with the beta-lactamase inhibitor clavulanic acid (potassium clavulanate). 1, 2
Drug Class and Mechanism
Augmentin belongs to the broader category of beta-lactam antibiotics with beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations, specifically within the aminopenicillin subclass 2
The combination extends the antibacterial activity of amoxicillin to include beta-lactamase-producing strains that would otherwise be resistant to amoxicillin alone 3
Clavulanic acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor produced from Streptomyces clavuligerus that protects amoxicillin from enzymatic degradation 4, 3
Spectrum of Activity
The combination provides broad-spectrum antibacterial coverage against both gram-positive organisms and many Enterobacteriaceae 2
It is particularly effective against beta-lactamase-producing strains of Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis, as well as penicillin-susceptible and intermediate strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae 5, 6
The addition of clavulanic acid extends coverage to include amoxicillin-resistant species such as Bacteroides fragilis 3
Clinical Context
Augmentin is primarily used for community-acquired respiratory tract infections, including acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, acute otitis media, community-acquired pneumonia, and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis 5, 4
It is also indicated for urinary tract infections, particularly when beta-lactamase-producing organisms are suspected 1, 7
For diabetic foot infections, it is recommended for mild infections with recent antibiotic exposure 2
Important Distinction from Standalone Amoxicillin
The beta-lactamase inhibitor component is critical to the drug's classification and function - when carbapenems are used for drug-resistant tuberculosis, amoxicillin-clavulanate must be co-administered specifically to provide the clavulanate component 1
However, amoxicillin-clavulanate alone (without a carbapenem) is not recommended for MDR-TB treatment due to unfavorable mortality outcomes 1