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Aminopenicillins susceptible to destruction by Beta lactamase are combined with which agents?

User JMAA
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Final answer:

To overcome resistance, aminopenicillins are combined with beta-lactamase inhibitors like clavulanic acid, sulbactam, and tazobactam, which protect the antibiotic by irreversibly binding to the beta-lactamase enzymes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Aminopenicillins are susceptible to destruction by beta-lactamase enzymes, which are produced by certain bacteria to confer resistance against beta-lactam antibiotics. To counteract this resistance mechanism, aminopenicillins are often combined with beta-lactamase inhibitors such as clavulanic acid, sulbactam, and tazobactam. These inhibitors protect the aminopenicillin by irreversibly binding to the beta-lactamase enzymes, preventing them from breaking down the antibiotic. By doing so, these combinations can overcome bacterial resistance and are effective against beta-lactamase-producing strains of bacteria.

Examples of Beta-Lactamase Inhibitor Combinations:

  • Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (Augmentin)
  • Ampicillin and sulbactam (Unasyn)
  • Piperacillin and tazobactam (Zosyn)

These combinations enhance the efficacy of aminopenicillins against bacteria that would otherwise degrade them with beta-lactamase, making them a valuable tool in the treatment of various bacterial infections, particularly those caused by beta-lactamase-producing organisms.

User Oocx
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