Antibacterial Drug Classes: Actions, Uses, and Adverse Effects
Introduction to Antibacterial Drugs
Key Concepts in Antibacterial Therapy
- Cross-Resistance: Occurs between antibacterial drugs with similar actions. Example: clindamycin and lincomycin.
- Allergic Reactions: Hypersensitivity, rash, pruritus, hives, anaphylaxis.
- Spectrum:
- Narrow Spectrum: penicillin, erythromycin
- Broad Spectrum: tetracycline, cephalosporins
Penicillins
General Information on Penicillins
- Drug Names: End in “-icillin” (e.g., Amoxicillin).
- Action: Inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis. Can be bacteriostatic
Microorganisms: Pharmaceutical and Immunological Uses
Microorganisms in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Microorganisms play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical industry. Antibiotics, for instance, are antimicrobial chemical compounds synthesized by fungi and bacteria.
Fleming’s accidental discovery of penicillin, by contaminating a Petri dish, highlighted this. He noted that the fungus secreted a substance that destroyed bacterial colonies. Penicillin is particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria. Later, streptomycin was discovered, proving effective
Read MoreInventions: Chewing Gum, Penicillin, and Anesthesia
Chewing Gum
Thomas Adams was an inventor and businessman. His attempt to use chicle as a replacement for rubber did not work at first. However, he discovered that chicle could be used to make chewing gum. He started a company to manufacture it. His company became successful, and he revolutionized the chewing gum industry.
Questions About Chewing Gum
- What is natural chicle made from?
- Where does natural chicle come from?
- What happened to chicle after World War II?
- What virtually replaced chicle in chewing
Drug Design and Development Strategies
Drug Design and Development
Penicillin Synthesis
In the design and development of new drugs, strategies based on what exists in nature are often applied. For example, in the design of new penicillins, three hypotheses are considered: biological synthesis, chemical synthesis, and a mixed approach. Biological synthesis, using fermentation culture mediums, yields limited side chains. Chemical synthesis, while producing a wider range of side chains, is difficult and has low yields. Therefore, a mixed
Read MoreMicrobiology and Ecology: A Comprehensive Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the fascinating world of microbiology and ecology, covering topics from bacterial structure and growth to population dynamics and environmental impacts.
Bacterial Structure and Growth
Bacteria are microscopic organisms that play crucial roles in various ecosystems. Their shape is determined by their rigid cell walls, and they can be classified into different types based on their morphology:
Bacterial Shapes
- Coccus (spheres): Staphylococcus (food poisoning), Diplococci