A beta-lactam structurally related to the penicillins that inactivate β-lactamase enzymes in penicillin-resistant organisms; usually used in combination with penicillins to enhance and broaden the spectrum of the penicillins.
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clav·u·lan·ic acid .klav-yə-.lan-ik- n a beta-lactam antibiotic C8H9NO5 produced by a bacterium of the genus Streptomyces (S. clavuligerus) that is a beta-lactamase inhibitor and is usu. used in the form of its clavulanate salt of potassium esp. in combination with amoxicillin see AUGMENTIN
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a drug that interferes with the penicillinase that inactivate beta-lactam antibiotic, such as amoxicillin or ticarcillin. Combined with the antibiotic, clavulanic acid can overcome drug resistance.
Medical dictionary. 2011.