What is Co-amoxiclav?
'''Co-amoxiclav''' is an [[Antibiotics|antibiotic]] that is also known as '''Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid'''. It is used to treat bacterial infections such as [[pneumonia]], [[animal bites]], and [[urinary tract infection]]s. The antibiotic is also used in [[Veterinary medicine|veterinary]] practices and is commonly given to [[farm]] animals and [[pet]]s against similar infections. Its brand name in the United Kingdom is '''Augmentin''' and is only available on [[prescription]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-09-26|title=Co-amoxiclav: antibiotic to treat infections|url=https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/co-amoxiclav/|access-date=2023-07-01|website=nhs.uk|language=en}}</ref> == Resistance == Because the antibiotic is used widely amongst humans and animals, bacterial [[Antibiotic resistance|resistance]] to this antibiotic is growing.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Choraine|first=P.|date=2010-06-10|title=Antibiotic resistance and prudent use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3292.2000.tb01773.x|journal=Equine Veterinary Education|volume=12|issue=2|pages=108–112|doi=10.1111/j.2042-3292.2000.tb01773.x|issn=0957-7734}}</ref> == History == Co-amoxiclav was identified in 1972 by a group of scientists in Beecham (now [[GlaxoSmithKline]]). It was launched as Augmentin in the United Kingdom in 1981. It is a combination of [[clavulanic acid]] and [[amoxicillin]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Geddes|first=Alasdair M.|last2=Klugman|first2=Keith P.|last3=Rolinson|first3=George N.|date=December 2007|title=Introduction: historical perspective and development of amoxicillin/clavulanate|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2007.07.015|journal=International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents|volume=30|pages=109–112|doi=10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2007.07.015|issn=0924-8579}}</ref> It is now on the [[World Health Organization]]'s list of [[essential medicines]], meaning it is very important in modern medicine.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=2022-09-12|title=World Health Organization model list of essential medicines for chil