Antibiotics

Antibiotics are classified based on several factors, including their mechanism of action, chemical structure, and spectrum of activity. Here are some of the most common classifications:

 

Mechanism of action:

1.   Cell wall inhibitors (e.g. penicillins, cephalosporins)

2.   Protein synthesis inhibitors (e.g. macrolides, tetracyclines)

3.   Nucleic acid inhibitors (e.g. quinolones, rifampin)

Chemical structure:

1.   Beta-lactams (e.g. penicillins, cephalosporins)

2.   Aminoglycosides (e.g. gentamicin, tobramycin)

3.   Macrolides (e.g. erythromycin, azithromycin)

4.   Tetracyclines (e.g. doxycycline, minocycline)

5.   Quinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin)

Spectrum of activity:

1.   Narrow-spectrum antibiotics (e.g. penicillin G, vancomycin)

2.   Broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g. amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ceftriaxone)

3. Extended-spectrum antibiotics (e.g. cefepime, meropenem)