Antibacterials - Grouped into mechanism of action

Inhibition of DNA synthesis

• Quinolones (Gram-negative infections)
• Ciprofloxacin
• Moxifloxacin

Break bacterial DNA

• Nitroimidazoles (Anaerobic infections)
• Metronidazole

Folic acid synthesis inhibitors

• Sulphonamides (Urinary tract and Pneumocystis carinii infection)
• Sulfamethoxazole

Inhibit ribosomal function

• Inhibit ribosomal function (Conjunctivitis - local therapy)
• Chloramphenicol

Inhibit protein synthesis

• Aminoglycosides (Gram negative infections)
• Gentamicin
• Neomycin
• RENAL and OTOTOXICITY therefore serum levels need monitoring
• Tetracyclines (Atypical pneumonias, acne)
• Tetracycline, doxycycline
• Contraindicated in children and during pregnancy as they cause permanently stained teeth
• Macrolides (Atypical pneumonias)
• Erythromycin, clarithromycin
• Macrolides (Gram negative infection)
• Clarithromycin, azithromycin
• Fusidic acid (staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis)

Block cell wall synthesis

• Penicillins
• 5 groups
• Benzylpenicillin
• Phenoxymethylpenicillin (Penicillin V)
• Flucloxacillin
• Amoxicillin/ampicillin
• Temocillin
• Cephalosporins
• Better
• First generation (Gram positive cocci and gram negative infections)
• Cefalexin
• Cefradrine
• Second generation (Gram negative infection)
• Cefuroxime
• Cefaclor
• Third generation (Gram negative infections)
• Ceftazidime
• Ceftriaxone
• Monobactams
• Aztreonam
• Carbapenems
• Imipenem, meropenem
• Glycopeptides (Gram-positive bacteria)
• Vancomycin