Common Antibiotics by Class
Antimicrobial Class: β-lactams (disrupt cell wall synthesis by inhibiting formation of peptidoglycan cross-links)
Selected Agents:
• Penicillins: penicillin V, penicillin G
• Aminopenicillins: ampicillin, amoxicillin, bacampicillin
• Antistaphylococcal penicillins: methicillin, nafcillin, oxacillin, dicloxacillin
• Extended-spectrum penicillins: ticarcillin, piperacillin
• β-lactam–β-lactamase inhibitor combinations: ampicillin–sulbactam; amoxicillin–clavulanate; ticarcillin–clavulanate; piperacillin–tazobactam
• Carbapenems: imipenem, ertapenem, meropenem, doripenem
• Monobactam: aztreonam
• Cephalosporins: cefazolin, cephalexin, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefdinir, cefepime, ceftaroline, cefoxitin, cefotetan
Selected Comments:
• Note allergies to penicillin or β-lactam antibiotics, especially Type 1 allergies (anaphylaxis, urticaria, angioedema, or bronchospasm).
• Cross-reactivity is low, except for aztreonam.
• Carbapenems are broad-spectrum but not effective against MRSA, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Burkholderia cepacia, Legionella spp., and Corynebacterium jeikeium.
• Aztreonam is safe for those with β-lactam allergies.
• Cephalosporins lack enterococci coverage and can lead to C. difficile colitis.
Antimicrobial Class: Glycopeptides (disrupt cell wall synthesis, steric hindrance)
Selected Agents:
• Vancomycin, telavancin
Selected Comments:
• Vancomycin complications: “red man’s syndrome,” nephrotoxicity, thrombocytopenia.
• Monitor vancomycin trough serum levels.
• Telavancin is more active but has greater nephrotoxicity.
Antimicrobial Class: Lipopeptide (disrupts cell membrane, potassium efflux)
Selected Agents:
• Daptomycin
Selected Comments:
• Inactivated by pulmonary surfactant; not effective for pneumonia.
• Risk of rhabdomyolysis; monitor CPK levels.
• Eosinophilic pneumonia can occur.
Antimicrobial Class: Oxazolidinones (disrupt protein synthesis at 50S ribosomal subunit)
Selected Agents:
• Linezolid, tedizolid
Selected Comments:
• Prolonged use can cause myelosuppression.
• Avoid with serotonergic agents.
• Effective for MRSA pneumonia.
Antimicrobial Class: Glycylglycine (disrupt protein synthesis at 30S ribosomal subunit)
Selected Agents:
• Tigecycline
Selected Comments:
• Prominent nausea and vomiting.
• Approved for specific infections; caution for non-approved use.
Antimicrobial Class: Folate Antagonist (inhibit nucleic acid synthesis)
Selected Agents:
• Trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)
Selected Comments:
• Active against many bacteria.
• Sulfa component has risks.
• Side effects include nephrotoxicity, hyperkalemia, and photosensitivity.
Antimicrobial Class: Fluoroquinolones (inhibit various enzymes and DNA gyrase)
Selected Agents:
• Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gemifloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin
Selected Comments:
• Can cause QTc prolongation.
• Risk of tendonitis; avoid in pregnancy and children.
Antimicrobial Class: Nitroimidazole (disrupt DNA and inhibit nucleic acid synthesis)
Selected Agents:
• Metronidazole
Selected Comments:
• Active against anaerobic bacteria.
• High doses cause nausea, vomiting, and neurotoxicity.
Antimicrobial Class: Tetracyclines (inhibit protein synthesis at 30S ribosomal subunit)
Selected Agents:
• Tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline
Selected Comments:
• Avoid in pregnancy and children.
• Photosensitivity and other side effects.
Antimicrobial Class: Macrolides (inhibit protein synthesis at 50S ribosomal subunit)
Selected Agents:
• Azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, fidaxomicin
Selected Comments:
• Can cause QTc prolongation.
• Drug interactions and side effects vary.
Antimicrobial Class: Lincosamide (inhibits protein synthesis at 50S ribosomal subunit)
Selected Agents:
• Clindamycin
Selected Comments:
• Associated with C. difficile colitis.
• Active against many bacteria.
Antimicrobial Class: Rifamycins (inhibit RNA synthesis)
Selected Agents:
• Rifampin, rifapentine, rifabutin, rifamixin
Selected Comments:
• Use in combination.
• Risk of hepatitis and allergic reactions.
Antimicrobial Class: Aminoglycosides
Selected Agents:
• Streptomycin, gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin
Selected Comments:
• Nephrotoxicity, auditory, and vestibular toxicity.
• Use with caution.
Antimicrobial Class: Polymyxins
Selected Agents:
• Polymyxin B, colistimethate
Selected Comments:
• Expanding use for resistant bacteria.
• Risk of nephrotoxicity and neuromuscular blockade.
Antimicrobial Class: Nitrofuran (inhibits protein, DNA, RNA, and cell wall synthesis)
Selected Agents:
• Nitrofurantoin
Selected Comments:
• Acute and chronic pulmonary reactions.
• Common side effects.
Antimicrobial Class: Streptogramins (inhibit protein synthesis at 50S ribosomal subunit)
Selected Agents:
• Quinupristin–dalfopristin
Selected Comments:
• Synergistic against gram-positive bacteria.
• Indicated for specific infections.
Antimicrobial Class: Phosphonic Acid Derivative (blocks cell wall synthesis)
Selected Agents:
• Fosfomycin
Selected Comments:
• Broadly active against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.
• Used for UTIs as a single megadose.
I hope this helps make the information more accessible!