ATC Group: A07AA Antibiotics

Amphotericin B is a macrocyclic, polyene antifungal antibiotic produced by Streptomyces nodosus. The molecule is thought to act by binding to sterols in the fungal cell membrane, with a resulting change in membrane permeability, allowing leakage of a variety of small molecules.

Colistimethate is a cyclic polypeptide antibacterial active substance that is derived from Bacillus polymyxa var colistinus and belongs to the polymyxin group. Polymyxins work by damaging the cell membrane and the resulting physiological effects are lethal to the bacterium. Polymyxins are selective for Gram-negative bacteria that have a hydrophobic outer membrane.

Colistin is a cyclic polypeptide antibacterial agent belonging to the polymyxin group. Polymyxins work by damaging the cell membrane and the resulting physiological effects are lethal to the bacterium. Polymyxins are selective for aerobic Gram-negative bacteria that have a hydrophobic outer membrane.

Fidaxomicin is an antibiotic belonging to the macrocyclic class of antibacterials. Fidaxomicin is bactericidal and inhibits RNA synthesis by bacterial RNA polymerase. It interferes with RNA polymerase at a distinct site from that of rifamycins. Fidaxomicin is indicated for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) also known as C. difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD) in adult and paediatric patients.

Kanamycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic. Aminoglycosides work by binding to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of t-RNA, leaving the bacterium unable to synthesize proteins vital to its growth.

Natamycin is a tetraene polyene antibiotic derived from Streptomyces natalensis. It possesses in vitro activity against a variety of yeast and filamentous fungi, including Candida, Aspergillus, Cephalosporium, Fusarium and Penicillium. The mechanism of action appears to be through binding of the molecule to the sterol moiety of the fungal cell membrane.

Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic and acts by binding to polysomes, inhibiting protein synthesis and generating errors in the transcription of the genetic code.

Nystatin is an antifungal antibiotic active against a wide range of yeasts and yeast-like fungi, including Candida albicans.

Paromomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic derived from Streptomyces rimosus var paromomycinus, with amebicidal and antibacterial activity. Paromomycin binds specifically to the RNA oligonucleotide at the A site of bacterial 30S ribosomes, thereby causing misreading and premature termination of translation, thereby leading to inhibition of protein synthesis followed by cell death.

Polymixin B is bactericidal against a wide range of gram negative bacilli. It exerts a bactericidal effect by binding to acid phospholipids in the cell wall and membranes of the bacterium, thereby rendering ineffective the osmotic barrier normally provided by the cell membrane.

Rifaximin is an antibacterial agent of the rifamycin class that inhibits bacterial RNA synthesis. Rifaximin has a broad antimicrobial spectrum against most of the Gram-positive and -negative, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria responsible for intestinal infections.

Streptomycin is a broad spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic derived from Streptomyces griseus with antibacterial activity. It acts by interfering with normal protein synthesis. Streptomycin is typically used for treatment of active tuberculosis, always in combination with other antituberculosis agents.

Vancomycin is a tricyclic glycopeptide antibiotic that inhibits the synthesis of the cell wall in sensitive bacteria by binding with high affinity to the D-alanyl-D-alanine terminus of cell wall precursor units.