β-lactamase inhibitors are a class of drugs that are used in combination with β-lactam antibiotics to enhance their effectiveness against bacteria that produce β-lactamase enzymes. β-lactamases are enzymes that are produced by some bacteria and are capable of breaking down β-lactam antibiotics, making them ineffective.
By combining β-lactam antibiotics with β-lactamase inhibitors, the inhibitor molecules can bind to and inactivate the β-lactamase enzymes, preventing them from breaking down the antibiotic. This allows the antibiotic to continue to work effectively against the bacterial infection.
Examples of β-lactamase inhibitors include clavulanic acid, sulbactam, and tazobactam. These inhibitors are often used in combination with β-lactam antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, and piperacillin.
The use of β-lactamase inhibitors has helped to improve the effectiveness of β-lactam antibiotics against a wide range of bacterial infections, including those caused by β-lactamase-producing bacteria. However, like all antibiotics, they can cause side effects and must be used only as directed by a healthcare provider.
