Medicinal Chemistry III - Unit 1 - Antibiotics
1. Introduction to Antibiotics Antibiotics are chemical substances produced by microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) or synthesized chemically that inhibit the growth of or destroy other microorganisms at low concentrations. They are mainly used to treat bacterial infections . 2. History of Antibiotics 1928 – Alexander Fleming discovered Penicillin from Penicillium notatum . 1940s – Mass production of penicillin began. After that, many classes of antibiotics were discovered. 3. Classification of Antibiotics Antibiotics are classified based on: A) Based on Mechanism of Action 1. Cell Wall Synthesis Inhibitors They inhibit peptidoglycan formation in bacterial cell wall. Examples: Penicillins Cephalosporins Carbapenems Monobactams Vancomycin 👉 These are bactericidal drugs. 2. Protein Synthesis Inhibitors They act on bacterial ribosomes (30S or 50S). a) 30S Ribosomal Inhibitors Aminoglycosides Tetracyclines b) 50S Ribosomal Inhibitors ...