Beta-Lactam Antibiotics Overview

A class of antibiotics that are active against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria. Known for their efficacy in treating various infections.

Among the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, they work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, ultimately leading to bacterial death. Highly effective against gram-positive bacteria, but some are also effective against gram-negative bacteria.

The most common type of penicillin. It is effective against gram-positive bacteria, but is susceptible to breakdown by bacterial enzymes. This type is not acid stable..

These forms of penicillin G are designed for longer-lasting effects, allowing for less frequent administration.

These penicillins, like Phenoxymethylpenicillin, are a special subtype that can withstand stomach acids, enabling oral administration.

A group of penicillins specially designed to overcome the breakdown by certain bacterial enzymes. Effective against bacteria producing lactamases.

These penicillins are designed to effectively target a broader range of bacteria, including those resistant to traditional penicillin options. They are subdivided into aminopenicillins and antipseudomonal penicillins.

This type of penicillin is effective against a broader spectrum of bacteria, including gram-negative bacteria. They are commonly used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, and other infections.

These penicillins, like Piperacillin and Mezlocillin, are particularly effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a type of bacteria that can be difficult to treat with other antibiotics.

This penicillin is used to treat several types of infections, including bacterial infections of the ear, throat, skin, and lungs.

Amoxicillin is a popular choice for treating various dental infections.

Amoxicillin is widely used for a variety of infections, spanning several body systems.

A possible side effect of penicillin use is an overgrowth of a different type of bacteria that is resistant to the antibiotics, potentially leading to a new infection. It is important to use antibiotics appropriately and complete the entire course of treatment to prevent this.

This rare reaction to penicillin can occur during syphilis treatment and involves a rapid destruction of the syphilis bacteria releasing toxins, leading to a sudden and severe illness.

Another class of antibiotics that are structurally similar to penicillins and also work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis.

These cephalosporins typically target gram-positive bacteria and are often used for skin infections, respiratory tract infections, and urinary tract infections. They are often the first choice for treating bacterial infections, particularly those affecting the urinary tract.

These cephalosporins have a broader spectrum of activity than their first generation counterparts, targeting not only gram-positive bacteria, but also some gram-negative bacteria.

This generation of cephalosporins offers even greater potency against a wide range of bacteria, including many gram-negative bacteria.

These cephalosporins are designed to overcome resistance to existing cephalosporins and are effective against many clinically significant gram-negative organisms.

This latest generation of cephalosporins is characterized by their even broader spectrum of activity and effectiveness against various resistant bacteria. They are particularly prominent in tackling drug-resistant infections.

They work by disrupting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, leading to bacterial cell death. It is a primary mechanism by which many antibiotics work.

This refers to the ability of bacteria to develop resistance to cephalosporins. This can occur through various mechanisms, including producing enzymes that degrade the antibiotic or altering the bacterial cell wall to prevent the antibiotic from entering.

Cephalosporins have a variety of uses in treating infections, especially in both therapeutic and preventative scenarios. They are frequently used to treat a wide range of infections, including those involving the respiratory system, urinary tract, skin, and bones and joints. They can also be used as prophylactics, which means they can prevent infections from developing in the first place.

Because of their effectiveness against various bacterial infections, first-generation cephalosporins are widely used in dentistry.

They are particularly valuable for treating infections caused by certain types of bacteria such as Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Proteus, Serratia, and Haemophilus, commonly known as Enterobacteriaceae, which cause a variety of infections, particularly in the urinary tract and respiratory system.

Ceftriaxone, Cefotaxime, and Cefoperazone are effective against Salmonella typhi, the bacterium responsible for typhoid fever.

Ceftriaxone, Cefotaxime, and Ceftizoxime are effective against different types of bacteria that can cause bacterial meningitis, including Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Combination therapy with aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin, is used to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa-related meningitis, an infection often difficult to manage.

Ceftriaxone and Cefotaxime are effective against pneumococci and H. influenzae, common causes of bacterial pneumonia, making them suitable medications for pneumonia treatment.

Cefoxitin, Cefotetan, and Cefotaxime are effective against Bacteroides fragilis, an anaerobic bacterium often responsible for infections in the abdomen, pelvic region, and other areas. Aminoglycosides may be necessary due to the anaerobic nature of the infection.

Cefazolin is often used as a single-dose prophylactic measure before surgery to decrease the risk of post-surgical infections. Administering cephalosporins before surgery can help prevent infections that commonly develop in the surgical site or surrounding areas.

Ceftriaxone and Cefixime, often given as a single dose, are effective treatments for gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection.

Cefoxitin, Cefotaxime, Cefuroxime, and Cefazolin are effective against various bacteria causing biliary tract infections, which are infections affecting the gallbladder, bile ducts, and surrounding areas.

Third-generation cephalosporins are often used for bone and joint infections, which can be difficult to treat. They are often effective against the bacteria causing these infections.

Ceftriaxone and Cefotaxime are effective intravenously against Leptospira interrogans, the bacterium causing leptospirosis, a serious bacterial infection that can affect multiple organs.

Cefuroxime is effective against Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium causing Lyme disease, a multisystem infectious disease transmitted through ticks.