Clavulanic acid

Antibiotic booster
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Clavulanic acid is a antibiotic booster found in 22 medicines sold in India, such as Augmentin 625 Duo, Moxikind-CV 625, Clavam 625. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

Also called: clavulanate, potassium clavulanate

What it is used for

Protects amoxicillin from bacteria that would otherwise destroy it, so it works on more infections.

How it works

Clavulanic acid blocks the beta-lactamase enzyme some bacteria use to destroy amoxicillin, so the pair (co-amoxiclav) works against more germs.

How to take it

Taken in the combination tablet at the start of a meal, usually twice or three times a day. Take at evenly spaced times and finish the full course even when you feel better, unless your doctor says otherwise.

Common side effects

  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Thrush

Get medical help straight away if

  • Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine (liver problem, can appear weeks later)
  • Allergic reaction
  • Severe diarrhoea

Be careful

Can cause loose motions; take with food.

Other medicines and interactions

Penicillin allergy rules apply. Can affect warfarin.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Generally considered acceptable in pregnancy (avoided near preterm birth) and while breastfeeding.

Combination medicines that contain Clavulanic acid (22)

Advent 625Amoxyclav 625Augmed-625Augmentin 625 DuoAugumed 625Bactoclav-625Cefoprox CV-325Cepodem XP 325Clavam 625Foloup-CV 200Gudcef CV 200Indclav 625Kefmax CV 200Mega CV 625Microcef CV 200Mox CV 625Moxclav 625Moxikind-CV 625Opox-CV 200Pecef Duo-200Polypod CV 200Zifi CV 200

Common questions

What is Clavulanic acid used for?

Protects amoxicillin from bacteria that would otherwise destroy it, so it works on more infections.

How does Clavulanic acid work?

Clavulanic acid blocks the beta-lactamase enzyme some bacteria use to destroy amoxicillin, so the pair (co-amoxiclav) works against more germs.

How should I take Clavulanic acid?

Taken in the combination tablet at the start of a meal, usually twice or three times a day. Take at evenly spaced times and finish the full course even when you feel better, unless your doctor says otherwise.

What are the side effects of Clavulanic acid?

Common: Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, thrush. Get help straight away for: Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine (liver problem, can appear weeks later), allergic reaction, severe diarrhoea.

Does Clavulanic acid interact with other medicines?

Penicillin allergy rules apply. Can affect warfarin.

Is Clavulanic acid safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Generally considered acceptable in pregnancy (avoided near preterm birth) and while breastfeeding.

Does Clavulanic acid need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Clavulanic acid?

Advent 625, Amoxyclav 625, Augmed-625, Augmentin 625 Duo, Augumed 625, Bactoclav-625, Cefoprox CV-325, Cepodem XP 325, Clavam 625, Foloup-CV 200, Gudcef CV 200, Indclav 625, Kefmax CV 200, Mega CV 625, Microcef CV 200, Mox CV 625, Moxclav 625, Moxikind-CV 625, Opox-CV 200, Pecef Duo-200, Polypod CV 200, Zifi CV 200.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.