Absorption, metabolism and excretion studies on clavulanic acid in the rat and dog

Abstract

1. At least one third of an oral dose of sodium [G-¹⁴C]clavulanate was absorbed by rat and dog. Excretion of radioactivity was rapid in both species.

2. In addition to urinary and faecal excretion of radioactivity, appreciable elimination of ¹⁴CO₂ occurred, particularly in the rat. This was produced in part by the action of the gut microflora.

3. In the rat, only a small proportion of the radioactive dose was secreted in the bile.

4. The major metabolite in urine was identified as l-amino-4-hydroxybutan-2-one. Clavulanic acid was also a major component in urine.