|
|
Mechanism of Action |
Examples |
| 1-Beta lactams |
Inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), preventing peptidoglycan cross-linking. |
Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Carbapenems, Monobactams |
| 2-Glycopeptides |
| Inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to the D-alanyl-D-alanine terminal of peptidoglycan precursors. |
|
|
Vancomycin, Teicoplanin |
| 3-Aminoglycosides |
| Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA. |
|
Gentamicin, Amikacin, Streptomycin
|
| 4-Macrolides |
Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing translocation. |
Erythromycin, Azithromycin, Clarithromycin |
| 5-Tetracyclines |
Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, blocking the attachment of tRNA. |
Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Minocycline |
| 6-Fluoroquinolones |
Inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, preventing DNA replication and transcription. |
Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin |
| 7–Sulfonamides |
Inhibit folic acid synthesis by competitively inhibiting dihydropteroate synthase. |
Sulfamethoxazole, Sulfadiazine |
| 8-Trimethoprim |
Inhibits folic acid synthesis by competitively inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase. |
Trimethoprim |
| 9-Rifamycins |
Inhibit bacterial RNA synthesis by binding to RNA polymerase. |
Rifampin, Rifabutin |
| 10-Oxazolidinones |
Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing initiation complex formation. |
Linezolid, Tedizolid |
| 11-Lipopeptides |
Disrupt bacterial cell membranes by creating pores, leading to ion leakage and cell death. |
Daptomycin |
| 12-Polymyxins |
Disrupt bacterial cell membranes by interacting with phospholipids, increasing membrane permeability. |
Polymyxin B, Polymyxin E (Colistin) |
| 13-Chloramphenicol |
Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing peptide bond formation. |
Chloramphenicol |
| 14-Fidaxomicin |
Inhibits bacterial RNA polymerase, preventing RNA synthesis (used specifically for C. difficile infections). |
Fidaxomicin |
| 15-Nitroimidazoles |
Causes DNA damage through the generation of reactive nitrogen species under anaerobic conditions. |
Metronidazole, Tinidazole |
