List of antibiotics

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

List of Antibiotics is a comprehensive catalog of antibiotics, which are a type of antimicrobial drug used in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infection. They may either kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Classification of Antibiotics[edit | edit source]

Antibiotics can be classified in several ways. One of the most common methods is based on their chemical structure, which includes:

  • Penicillins: These are a group of antibiotics that are derived from Penicillium fungi. They include penicillin G, penicillin V, procaine penicillin, and benzathine penicillin.
  • Cephalosporins: These are a large group of antibiotics that are structurally related to the penicillins. They include cefalexin, cefazolin, cefaclor, and ceftriaxone.
  • Macrolides: These are a group of antibiotics that have a macrocyclic lactone chemical structure. They include erythromycin, clarithromycin, and azithromycin.
  • Quinolones: These are a group of antibiotics that are derivatives of quinoline. They include ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and norfloxacin.
  • Tetracyclines: These are a group of broad-spectrum antibiotics that have a four-ring system. They include tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline.
  • Aminoglycosides: These are a group of antibiotics that contain an aminosugar and a glycoside. They include gentamicin, neomycin, and streptomycin.

Uses of Antibiotics[edit | edit source]

Antibiotics are used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including pneumonia, strep throat, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. They are also used in the prevention of bacterial infections in those who are at high risk.

Side Effects of Antibiotics[edit | edit source]

While antibiotics are essential in treating bacterial infections, they can also have side effects, including allergic reactions, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and rash. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, a serious global health concern.

See Also[edit | edit source]

‎ ‎


Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD