Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Study for the Prescribing Safety Assessment Test. Sharpen your prescribing skills with interactive questions and detailed feedback. Get ready to excel!

Practice this question and more.

Which two components make up co-amoxiclav?

Azithromycin and Clavulanic acid
Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid
Ciprofloxacin and Amoxicillin
Penicillin and Clavulanic acid

The correct answer is: Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid

Co-amoxiclav is a combination antibiotic that consists of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic that effectively targets a variety of bacterial infections. However, some bacteria produce an enzyme called beta-lactamase, which can inactivate amoxicillin. Clavulanic acid acts as a beta-lactamase inhibitor, preventing certain bacteria from breaking down amoxicillin and thereby enhancing its effectiveness. The pairing of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid allows for a wider range of bacterial pathogens to be effectively treated, particularly those that have developed resistance mechanisms. This synergistic effect is what makes co-amoxiclav a valuable option in treating infections that may not respond to amoxicillin alone. Understanding this combination is essential for safe and effective antibiotic prescribing practices, as it highlights the importance of combating antibiotic resistance while still addressing infections effectively.