Basics
Clavulanic acid is an active substance used in combination with the antibiotic amoxicillin or with cephalosporins to compensate for antibiotic resistance in bacteria. By itself, the drug has only a weak antibacterial effect.
| Formula | C8H9NO5 |
| Molar Mass (g·mol−1) | 199,1608 |
| Physical State | solid |
| Melting Point (°C) | 117,7-118 |
| Boiling Point (°C) | 545,8 |
| PKS Value | 2,7 |
| CAS Number | 58001-44-8 |
| PUB Number | 5280980 |
| Drugbank ID | DB00766 |
| Solubility | soluble in water |
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics
Bacteria produce beta-lactamase enzymes which are capable of deactivating the activity of antibiotics. Due to the structural similarity of these enzymes, clavulanic acid can bind to them, protecting the antibiotic from inactivation. At the same time, this also broadens the spectrum of activity of the antibiotic.
Pharmacokinetics
The beta-lactamase inhibitor is well absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration, with a bioavailability of 64%. During the first six hours after ingestion, approximately half of clavulanic acid is excreted unchanged in the urine. Intermediates after metabolism are excreted in the urine and feces and in exhaled air. The half-life, similar to amoxicillin, is 45-90 minutes.
Toxicity
Side effects
Adverse side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes. Tolerability improves with concomitant food intake. More severe side effects may include liver damage, anemia, and renal inflammation.
Toxicological data
In case of overdose, changes in fluid and electrolyte balance and gastrointestinal symptoms may occur.
Bei Nagetieren wurde eine geringe orale Toxizität mit einer LD50 von mehr als 2000 mg/kg festgestellt, bei Ratten traten gastrointestinale Störungen und Mortalität schon bei Dosen von 125 mg/kg auf.
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