Antibiotics: gross mechanism of action

Question 1

ABx Inhibits cell wall formation

Answer 1

penicillins, cephalosporins, carbopenems

peptidoglycan synthesis: glycopeptides (e.g. vancomycin)

Question 2

ABx Inhibits Inhibits protein synthesis (by acting on the ribosome)

Answer 2

50S subunit: macrolides,
chloramphenicol,
clindamycin,
linezolid,
streptogrammins
macrolides - erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, fidaxomicin and telithromycin

30S subunit:
aminoglycosides :gentamicin, amikacin, tobramycin, neomycin, and streptomycin.

tetracyclines - lymecycline, methacycline, minocycline, rolitetracycline, and doxycycline

Question 3

Abx Inhibits DNA synthesis

Answer 3

quinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin)

Question 4

Abx Damages DNA

Answer 4

metronidazole

Question 5

abx Inhibits folic acid formation

Answer 5

sulphonamides
trimethoprim

Question 6

Abx Inhibits RNA synthesis

Answer 6

rifampicin