Amoxicillin-clavulanate (often in a dose like 875 mg amoxicillin / 125 mg clavulanic acid) is an antibiotic combination used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It combines amoxicillin, a penicillin-type antibiotic that kills bacteria by inhibiting their cell wall synthesis, with clavulanic acid, which prevents bacteria from destroying amoxicillin by inhibiting beta- lactamase enzymes
. Common uses include treatment of:
- Respiratory tract infections such as sinusitis, community-acquired pneumonia, bronchitis, and acute otitis media (middle ear infection)
- Skin and soft tissue infections, including cellulitis, impetigo, and infected wounds or bites
- Urinary tract infections, including cystitis and pyelonephritis
- Dental infections and abscesses
- Bone and joint infections such as osteomyelitis
- Other infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including some animal bite infections and certain bacterial infections resistant to amoxicillin alone
It is important to note that amoxicillin-clavulanate is effective only against bacterial infections and will not work for viral infections like colds or flu
. In summary, amoxicillin-clavulanate 875/125 mg is used to treat a broad range of bacterial infections affecting the ears, sinuses, respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, bones, and dental areas, especially when bacteria produce beta-lactamase enzymes that would otherwise inactivate amoxicillin
