List of β-lactam antibiotics explained

This is a list of common β-lactam antibiotics - both administered drugs and those not in clinical use - organized by structural class. Antibiotics are listed alphabetically within their class or subclass by their nonproprietary name. If an antibiotic is a combination drug, both ingredients will be listed.

Penams

See main article: Penicillin and Penam.

Narrow-spectrum

β-lactamase-sensitive

Benzathine
benzylpenicillin (Penicillin G)
Benzathine penicillin G
Benzathine penicillin V
Phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V)
- Procaine penicillin Pheneticillin

β-lactamase-resistant

Broad spectrum

Extended spectrum (Antipseudomonal)

See main article: Extended-spectrum penicillin.

Carboxypenicillins

Ureidopenicillins

Cephems

See main article: Cephalosporin, Cephamycin and Cephem.

First generation (moderate spectrum)

Second generation (moderate spectrum)

cefuroxime, cefaclor, cefprozil

With anti-Haemophilus activity

With anti-anaerobic activity

Third generation (broad spectrum)

Fourth generation (broad spectrum)

(With β-lactamase stability and enhanced activity against Gram-positive bacteria and Pseudomonas aeruginosa)

Fifth generation* (broad spectrum)

(activity against MRSA and variably VRE. *Not universally accepted nomenclature. NO Antipseudomonal activity, mostly ceftriaxone coverage with additional MRSA and some VRE)

Ceftaroline, Ceftobiprole

Carbapenems and penems

(Broadest spectrum of β-lactam antibiotics)

See main article: Carbapenem and Penem.

Monobactams

See main article: Monobactam.

Aztreonam
Tigemonam
Nocardicin A
Tabtoxinine β-lactam (does not inhibit penicillin-binding proteins)

β-lactamase inhibitors

See main article: β-lactamase inhibitor.