Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, also known as amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium,  is a synthetic penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is used to treat skin and soft tissue infections and periodontal (gum) disease. The clavulanic acid has been added to the amoxicillin to protect the antibiotic from certain enzymes that may destroy the amoxicillin before it can kill the bacteria.