Timentin

Timentin is a brand-name antibiotic formulation that combines ticarcillin, a penicillin-type antibiotic, with clavulanic acid, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. This fixed-dose combination is designed to broaden activity against beta-lactamase–producing bacteria and to treat a range of infections caused by susceptible organisms. It is typically given by intravenous or intramuscular injection.

Mechanism and spectrum: Ticarcillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, while clavulanic acid inhibits certain beta-lactamases that would otherwise inactivate ticarillin. The combination provides activity against many Gram-negative bacteria, including some Enterobacteriaceae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and certain Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, as well as some anaerobes such as Bacteroides fragilis. It also retains activity against some Gram-positive cocci. It is not reliably active against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or many penicillin-resistant organisms lacking beta-lactamase production. Its use is typically guided by local susceptibility patterns.

Indications and administration: Timentin is used for moderately severe or severe infections in which the causative organisms are suspected or known to be susceptible, including intra-abdominal infections, gynecologic infections, lower respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, and septicemia. It is administered by IV or IM injection, with dosing and duration depending on the severity of infection and renal function.

Safety and precautions: Potential adverse effects include diarrhea, nausea, rash, and hypersensitivity reactions. C. difficile–associated diarrhea can occur. Prolonged use may lead to superinfections. Hypersensitivity to penicillins or to beta-lactamase inhibitors may be present in some patients with cross-reactivity to other beta-lactams. Timentin contains potassium and should be used with caution in patients with kidney impairment or those on potassium-restricted diets or certain medications. Drug interactions may occur with oral anticoagulants, probenecid, and other nephrotoxic or coagulant-active drugs.