>Penicillins and Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors (systemic)<

Commonly used medicines: Amoxicillin and Clavulanate, Ampicillin and Sulbactam, Piperacillin and Tazobactam, Ticarcillin and Clavulanate.

Commonly used brand names: (In the U.S.) Augmentin, Timentin.

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).

 
 
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.


Precautions:
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Penicillins may cause diarrhea in some patients. Check with your doctor if severe diarrhea occurs. Severe diarrhea may be a sign of a serious side effect. Do not take any diarrhea medicine without first checking with your doctor. Diarrhea medicines may make your diarrhea worse or make it last longer. For mild diarrhea, diarrhea medicine containing kaolin or attapulgite (e.g., Kaopectate tablets, Diasorb) may be taken. However, other kinds of diarrhea medicine should not be taken. They may make your diarrhea worse or last longer. If you have any questions about this or if mild diarrhea continues or gets worse, check with your health care professional.

Diabetic patients: Penicillins and beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations may cause false test results with some urine sugar tests. Check with your doctor before changing your diet or the dosage of your diabetes medicine.

Before you have any medical tests, tell the doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine.