Penicillins
Beta-lactams
Beta-lactams interfere with synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of the cell wall.
– More specifically, beta-lactams bind transpeptidases, which are bacterial enzymes required for peptidoglycan crosslinking.
– It's helpful to know that, because they are the targets of penicillins and other beta-lactams, the transpeptidases are also called Penicillin-Binding Proteins!
– Penicillinase is a bacterial enzyme that renders penicillin ineffective.
Penicillins
Penicillins that are Sensitive to penicillinase:
- Penicillin G
- Penicillin V
- Ampicillin
- Amoxicillin.
- Oxacillin
- Nafillin
- Dicloxacillin.
- Cephalospoprins, which are further subdivided into 5 generations.
- Carbapenems
- A monobactam called aztreonam