Which agent is classified as a beta-lactamase inhibitor?

Which agent is classified as a beta-lactamase inhibitor?

• A. Clavulanic acid
• B. Penicillin G
• C. Ampicillin
• D. Ceftriaxone

Answer: (A)

Beta-lactamase inhibitors block the enzymes that bacteria produce to destroy beta-lactam antibiotics, thereby protecting the antibiotic from hydrolysis and restoring its activity. Clavulanic acid is the classic example of this type of agent; it has little to no antimicrobial effect on its own but pairs with penicillins to overcome beta-lactamase–producing organisms. In contrast, penicillin G and ampicillin are beta-lactam antibiotics that can be inactivated by beta-lactamases, and ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic. So clavulanic acid is the substance classified as a beta-lactamase inhibitor.

Beta-lactamase inhibitors block the enzymes that bacteria produce to destroy beta-lactam antibiotics, thereby protecting the antibiotic from hydrolysis and restoring its activity. Clavulanic acid is the classic example of this type of agent; it has little to no antimicrobial effect on its own but pairs with penicillins to overcome beta-lactamase–producing organisms. In contrast, penicillin G and ampicillin are beta-lactam antibiotics that can be inactivated by beta-lactamases, and ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic. So clavulanic acid is the substance classified as a beta-lactamase inhibitor.