Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: AUGMENTIN 875 versus POLYCILLIN N.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: AUGMENTIN 875 versus POLYCILLIN N.
AUGMENTIN '875' vs POLYCILLIN-N
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Amoxicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Clavulanate is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that irreversibly binds to and inactivates beta-lactamase enzymes, preventing degradation of amoxicillin.
Ampicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), disrupting peptidoglycan cross-linking, and activating autolytic enzymes. It is bactericidal against susceptible organisms.
One 875 mg amoxicillin/125 mg clavulanate tablet orally every 12 hours.
1-2 g IV/IM every 4-6 hours
None Documented
None Documented
Amoxicillin: 1-1.5 hours (may extend to 7-13 hours in renal impairment). Clavulanate: ~1 hour (may extend to 2.5-4.5 hours in renal impairment).
Terminal elimination half-life: 0.5-1 hour (normal renal function); increases to 7-10 hours in anuria. Prolonged in neonates (2-4 hours).
Amoxicillin: ~50-70% renal as unchanged drug, 10-20% biliary. Clavulanate: ~30-50% renal as unchanged, ~25% fecal.
Renal: 60-80% unchanged via glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. Biliary: ~20% excreted in bile and feces. Small amount metabolized to penicilloic acid.
Category C
Category C
Penicillin Antibiotic
Penicillin Antibiotic