Used primarily in combination with beta-lactam antibiotics to enhance their effectiveness. It works by inhibiting beta-lactamase enzymes, which are produced by certain bacteria to resist antibiotics. This makes it a crucial component in treating infections caused by beta-lactamase-producing organisms, such as those in the respiratory, urinary, and intra-abdominal systems. It is often paired with piperacillin to treat severe infections like sepsis, pneumonia, and complicated skin infections. Its application is vital in hospital settings for managing multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.