The beta-lactamase stability of amoxycillin with the beta-lactamase inhibitor, clavulanic acid

The stability of low concentrations of amoxycillin in the presence of clavulanic acid (potassium salt) was determined for a wide range of clinically important beta-lactamases including the staphylococcal and TEM plasmid mediated enzymes. Even with enzyme preparations which completely hydrolysed the amoxycillin within a minute, clavulanic acid provided significant protection. The time course of the protection of amoxycillin reflected the time dependent action of clavulanic acid.