ATC Group: J01CA Penicillins with extended spectrum

Amoxicillin is a semisynthetic penicillin (beta-lactam antibiotic) that inhibits one or more enzymes (often referred to as penicillin-binding proteins, PBPs) in the biosynthetic pathway of bactericidal peptidoglycan, which is an integral structural component of the bacterial cell wall. Inhibition of peptidoglycan synthesis leads to weakening of the cell wall, which is usually followed by cell lysis and death.

Ampicillin is a broad spectrum penicillin, indicated for the treatment of a wide range of bacterial infections caused by ampicillin sensitive organisms.

Carbenicillin is a semisynthetic penicillin. Carbenicillin exerts its antibacterial activity by interference with final cell wall synthesis of susceptible bacteria. Most Klebsiella species are usually resistant to the action of carbenicillin.

Piperacillin is a broad-spectrum, semisynthetic penicillin. Piperacillin exerts bactericidal activity by inhibition of both septum and cell-wall synthesis.

Pivmecillinam is an orally active antibiotic. It is the pivaloyloxymethylester of the amidinopenicillanic acid, mecillinam. Mecillinam is a betalactam with a narrow-spectrum of activity. It is mainly active against Gram-negative bacteria and works by interfering with the biosynthesis of the bacterial cell wall.

Ticarcillin disrupts bacterial cell wall development by inhibiting peptidoglycan synthesis and/or by interacting with penicillin-binding proteins.