ANTIBIOTICS
Introduction:
Antibiotics are substances that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. They may be natural, semi-synthetic, or synthetic. Antibiotics can be bactericidal (kill bacteria) or bacteriostatic (inhibit bacterial growth).
Classification of Antibiotics:
- β-lactam antibiotics: Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Carbapenems
- Tetracyclines: Doxycycline
- Macrolides: Erythromycin, Azithromycin
- Aminoglycosides: Streptomycin, Gentamicin
- Miscellaneous: Chloramphenicol, Clindamycin
β-Lactam Antibiotics:
These contain a β-lactam ring and act by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell death.
Important Drugs:
- Penicillin G: Used in severe infections like meningitis and pneumonia
- Amoxicillin: Broad-spectrum antibiotic for respiratory and urinary infections
- Cloxacillin: Resistant to β-lactamase; used in staphylococcal infections
Aminoglycosides:
These inhibit protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit and are effective against gram-negative bacteria.
- Streptomycin: Used in tuberculosis and severe infections
Tetracyclines:
Broad-spectrum antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis by preventing tRNA attachment.
- Doxycycline: Used in respiratory infections, STDs, and rickettsial diseases
Macrolides:
These bind to the 50S ribosomal subunit and inhibit protein synthesis.
- Erythromycin: Used in respiratory infections
- Azithromycin: Long-acting antibiotic with better tissue penetration
Miscellaneous Antibiotics:
- Chloramphenicol: Broad-spectrum; used in serious infections
- Clindamycin: Effective against anaerobic infections
