Penicillins and Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors (Systemic)

Category

• Antibacterial, systemic - Amoxicillin and Clavulanate; Ampicillin and Sulbactam; Piperacillin and Tazobactam; Ticarcillin and Clavulanate

Description

Penicillins and beta-lactamase inhibitors are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. They work by killing the bacteria or preventing their growth. The beta-lactamase inhibitor is added to the penicillin to protect the penicillin from certain substances (enzymes) that will destroy the penicillin before it can kill the bacteria.

There are several different kinds of penicillins. Each is used to treat different kinds of infections. One kind of penicillin usually may not be used in place of another. In addition, penicillins are used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. They are sometimes given with other antibacterial medicines. Some of the penicillins may also be used for other problems as determined by your doctor. However, none of the penicillins will work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

Penicillins are available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

Oral
• Amoxicillin and Clavulanate
  • Oral suspension (U.S. and Canada)
  • Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
  • Chewable tablets (U.S.)

Parenteral
• Ampicillin and Sulbactam
  • Injection (U.S.)
• Piperacillin and Tazobactam
  • Injection (U.S. and Canada)
• Ticarcillin and Clavulanate
  • Injection (U.S. and Canada)

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S. -

• Augmentin ¹
• Timentin ⁴
• Unasyn ²
• Zosyn ³

In Canada -

• Clavulin-250 ¹
• Clavulin-125F ¹
• Clavulin-250F ¹
• Clavulin-500F ¹
• Tazocin ³
• Timentin ⁴