Not Antibiotics but can make the β-Lactams Antibiotics effective against β-Lactamase producing bacteria (Resistant Bacteria)
They are “Suicide Inhibitors” that break down upon degrading β-Lactamase
They don’t have an Antibacterial effect by themselves
Their Pharmacokinetics are similar to Penicillins
Drugs:
- Clavulanic Acid (often given with Amoxicillin)
- Sulbactam (often given with Ampicillin)
- Tazobactam (often given with Piperacillin)
Indication: Against β-Lactamase producing bacteria
- Gr+: Staphylococcus
- The other Gr+ bacteria don’t produce β-Lactamase so they are already sensitive to Penicillins (there are exceptions like Acid-fast bacteria though)
- Gr-: E coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Proteus, Bacteroides, Haemophilus, Pasteurella, Bordetella, (Pseudomonas: only with Piperacillin)
- They allow to target most Gr- bacteria, except Brachyspira, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, Rickettsia
Adverse effects: Negligible
- GI irritation