Clavulanic acid, lithium salt or lithium clavulanate is an irreversible inhibitor of β-lactamase class A enzymes, which target β-lactam antibiotics. Clavulanic acid, lithium salt has been shown operate more efficiently with ceftazidime and amoxicillin antibiotics. Research has also shown an increase in AmpC β-lactamase expression when lithium clavulanate was administered in vitro to Enterobacteriaceae.

Clavulanic acid, lithium salt potentiates antibiotic effects of penicillin binding protein (PBP) inhibitors by preventing their deconstruction. Effective inhibition of β-lactamases by this compound expand antibiotic duration and lethality, making it useful for susceptibility tests or bacterial selection.