CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS OF AMINOPENICILLINS WITH BETA-LACTAMASE INHIBITORS

Aminopenicillin/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations (ampicillin/sulb actam and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid) are well established in the the rapy of a wide range of infections in both hospital and primary-care s ettings as a result of their very broad-spectrum activity and good tol erability. These agents are particularly suited to the prophylaxis and treatment of polymicrobial infections. Clinical studies have demonstr ated their efficacy in the treatment of diabetic foot infections, intr a-abdominal infections, aspiration related lung infections, brain absc esses and pelvic inflammatory disease, and in the prophylaxis of infec tions following abdominal, pelvic and head and neck surgery. Recent st udies have also revealed that aminopenicillin/beta-lactamase inhibitor s may provide therapy or prophylaxis which is more cost-effective than with comparative antimicrobial agents.