clavulanic acid
Clavulanic acid is a compound that is often used in combination with certain antibiotics to enhance their effectiveness. It works by inhibiting the action of enzymes called beta-lactamases, which some bacteria produce to resist antibiotics. By blocking these enzymes, clavulanic acid helps the antibiotic to work better against bacterial infections.
This compound is commonly found in medications like amoxicillin-clavulanate, which is used to treat various infections, including respiratory and urinary tract infections. Clavulanic acid itself is not an antibiotic but serves as a protective agent that allows antibiotics to function more effectively against resistant bacteria.