Antibiotics and Resistance

Beta-lactams

These work to inhibit cell-wall synthesis.

The main type of these are Penicillins, which are usually combined with a B-lactamase inhibtor (Clavulanic acid) to prevent its breakdown, thus making it more effective. There's an increased risk of C-diff here.

Cephalosporins

• e.g. Ceftriaxone, Cefalexin, Cefotaxime, Ceftazidine

• There's an increased risk of C-diff here

Carbopenems

• e.g. Meropenem

Aminoglycosides

e.g. Gentamicin, Streptomicin

These work to inhibit protein synthesis in gram -ve bacteria.

This can't be adminsitered orally as they aren't absorbed by the gut, so has to be given parenterally e.g. IV/IM.

Cautions - Nephrotoxicity and Ototoxicity

Macrolides

e.g. Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, Azithromycin

These work to inhibit protein synthesis in gram +ve bacteria.

This is usually an alternative when a patient is allergic/intolerant to beta-lactams.

Glycopeptides

e.g. Vancomycin

These work to inhibit cell wall synthesis in gram +ve bacteria. Has a different mechanism of action compared to beta-lactams.

This can't be adminsitered orally as they aren't absorbed by the gut, so has to be given parenterally e.g. IV/IM.

Tetracyclines

e.g. Doxycycline, Oxytetracycline

These work to inhibit protein synthesis.

This is typically used to treat Chlamydia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Acne.

Quinolones

e.g. Ciprofloxacin, Moxifloxacin

These work to inhibit DNA synthesis in gram -ve bacteria.

This is typically used to treat complicated UTIs and gastroenteritis.

There's and increased risk of C.diff here.