Introduction / Overview Cotrimoxazole, also known as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, constitutes a widely utilized antimicrobial combination that has maintained relevance across multiple therapeutic domains. The synergistic pairing of a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor and a dihydropteroate synthase inhibitor confers a broad spectrum of activity against bacterial, protozoal, and certain viral pathogens. The clinical relevance of cotrimoxazole is underscored…
Introduction Ciprofloxacin is a synthetic fluoroquinolone antibiotic that has been widely adopted in clinical practice for the treatment of a broad spectrum of bacterial infections. It functions primarily by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, thereby preventing replication and transcription of bacterial DNA. The drug’s high oral bioavailability, favorable tissue penetration, and potency against…
Introduction Definition and Overview Chloramphenicol is a broad‑spectrum antibacterial agent belonging to the nitrobenzene class. It is characterized by its ability to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis through binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, thereby preventing peptide bond formation. Because of its unique mechanism and wide range of activity, chloramphenicol has historically served as a valuable…
Introduction/Overview Azithromycin, a 15‑membered macrolide antibiotic, has become a cornerstone in the treatment of a broad spectrum of bacterial infections. Its distinctive pharmacokinetic properties, including extensive tissue penetration and a prolonged half‑life, enable convenient dosing regimens that are often superior to other macrolides. The clinical relevance of azithromycin extends beyond its antibacterial activity; it possesses…
Introduction / Overview Tetracycline represents a pivotal class of broad‑spectrum antibiotics that has maintained a prominent role in antimicrobial therapy for more than six decades. The compound was first isolated from a soil bacterium in the 1940s and has since been subjected to extensive chemical modification, giving rise to several derivatives such as doxycycline, minocycline,…
Introduction Gentamicin is a broad‑spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic that is widely used in the treatment of serious gram‑negative infections. It is derived from the fermentation of Micromonospora purpurea and is available as a mixture of several isomers, primarily gentamicin C1, C1a, and C2. Historically, the discovery of gentamicin in the 1940s marked a significant advancement in…
Introduction/Overview Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that has maintained a pivotal role in the treatment of serious Gram‑positive infections for several decades. Its continued relevance is underscored by the rise of methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other multidrug‑resistant organisms, for which vancomycin remains one of the few effective systemic agents. The pharmacologic profile of vancomycin—including…
Introduction Ceftriaxone is a third‑generation cephalosporin antibiotic characterized by a broad spectrum of activity against Gram‑negative and Gram‑positive bacteria. It is frequently employed in the treatment of severe infections such as community‑acquired pneumonia, meningitis, intra‑abdominal sepsis, and septicemia. The present monograph aims to provide a detailed overview of ceftriaxone’s pharmacologic properties, clinical applications, and practical…
Introduction/Overview Amoxicillin is a widely employed β‑lactam antibiotic belonging to the penicillin class. Its broad spectrum of activity, favorable safety profile, and ease of oral administration make it a cornerstone in the management of bacterial infections across diverse patient populations. This chapter is designed to furnish medical and pharmacy students with a comprehensive understanding of…
Introduction/Overview Penicillin G, also known as benzylpenicillin, represents the prototypical β‑lactam antibiotic and remains a cornerstone in the treatment of a wide array of bacterial infections. Its enduring clinical relevance is attributed to its broad spectrum activity against Gram‑positive organisms, favorable safety profile, and well-characterized pharmacokinetics. This monograph is intended to provide medical and pharmacy…