Clavam

Clavams are a class of antibiotics. This antibiotic is derived from Streptomyces clavuligerus NRRL 3585.[1] Clavam is produced to form a new β-lactam antibiotic.[1] This class is divided into the clavulanic acid class and the 5S clavams class. Clavulanic acid is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and 5S clavams may have anti-fungal properties. They are similar to penams, but with an oxygen substituted for the sulfur.[2] Thus, they are also known as oxapenams.

Clavulanic acid

An example is clavulanic acid,[3] from which this compound class receives its name.

Clavulanic acid, a type of Clavam, has antibiotic properties. It can be used as a medication to treat a variety of bacterial infections. CLAVAM tablets may be effective for short term treatment of bronchitis, cystitis, sinusitis, otitis media, or skin infections.[4] Clavams are commonly used in conjunction with other antibiotics such as amoxicillin to produce a broader therapeutic effect.

Clavulanic acid strongly inhibits b-lactamase in bacteria, which is associated with its antibiotic properties. B - lactam antibiotics generally have a common feature which is the 3-carbon and 1-nitrogen ring (beta-lactam ring) that is highly reactive. [5]Different molecules of the Clavam class have been shown to inhibit the action of several fungal species. 5S Clavams do not have an inhibitory effect on b-lactamase, but are involved in methionine biosynthesis inhibition, making them bacteriostatic agents.[6] Additionally, 5S Clavams may have inhibitory effects on RNA synthesis, which is a common property of anti-fungal medications.[7] Clavams have wide-ranging bioactivity, and may have greater therapeutic use than current research indicates.[8] Because of their activity on b-lactamase, this class of antibiotics can evade antibiotic resistance in bacteria, which is a risk associated with other antibiotics such as penicillins.

Taking Clavam

• Clavams tablets can be ingested orally, preferably with a meal as the method of absorption is directly through the GI tract. Dosage depends on the extent of infection, and the course of medication must be completed for full benefits.
• It is recommended to complete the course of medication as stopping in between may lead to severe infection that can stop responding to the antibiotic as a whole

• Drug - drug interactions include gout medicine (allopurinol, probenecid), blood thinner (warfarin), anticancer, or anti-arthritis drug (methotrexate), and drug to prevent organ transplant (mycophenolate mofetil). [9]