Beta Lactam Antibiotics (Beta Lactams)

Beta lactam antibiotics are a broad class of bactericidal agents characterized by the presence of a beta-lactam ring in their chemical structure. They inhibit bacterial cell wall biosynthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), leading to bacterial lysis and death. Resistance mechanisms include beta-lactamase production and modification of PBPs. The main adverse effect is allergic reaction.

Other names

PenicillinsCephalosporinsMonobactamsCarbapenemsCarbacephems

Beta lactams bind irreversibly to active site serine residues on PBPs, inhibiting transpeptidase activity required for peptidoglycan cross-linking. The disruption weakens the cell wall structure, leading to bacteriolysis.