Clavulanic acid is irreversible beta-lactamase inhibitor. It covers chromosomally mediated and plasmid mediated beta lactamases with ESBLs. It is a beta-lactam drug that functions as a mechanism-based Lactamase inhibitor. When combined with penicillin-group antibiotics, it can overcome antibiotic resistance in bacteria that secrete beta-lactamase which otherwise inactivates most penicillins.
This medicine is used to treat infections of the middle ear caused by bacteria.