Description: Pyrazinamide kills or stops the growth of certain bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB). It is used with other drugs to treat tuberculosis. It is a highly specific agent and is active only against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In vitro and in vivo, the drug is active only at a slightly acid pH.
Pyrazinamide is an important sterilizing drug that shortens tuberculosis (TB) therapy. However, the mechanism of action of pyrazinamide is poorly understood because of its unusual properties. In literature it has been written that the pyrazinoic acid (POA), the active moiety of pyrazinamide, disrupted membrane energetics and inhibited membrane transport function at acid pH in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The antimycobacterial activity appears to partly depend on conversion of the drug to POA. Susceptible strains of M. tuberculosis produce pyrazinamidase, an enzyme that deaminates pyrazinamide to POA, and the vitro susceptibility of a given strain of the organism appears to correspond to its pyrazinamidase activity. Experimental evidence suggests that pyrazinamide diffuses into M. tuberculosis in a passive manner, is converted into POA by pyrazinamidase, and because of an inefficient efflux system, accumulates in huge amounts in the bacterial cytoplasm. The accumulation of POA lowers the intracellular pH to a suboptimal level that is likely to inactivate a vital target enzyme such as fatty acid synthase.

Uses: For the initial treatment of active tuberculosis in adults and children when combined with other antituberculous agents.

Additional Information Data And Resources:
MedlinePlus Pyrazinamide Information

See Also:
Rifater (Isoniazid + Pyrazinamide + Rifampin)

Description: Polymyxin B sulfate is a mixture of polymyxins B1 and B2, obtained from Bacillus polymyxa strains. They are basic polypeptides of about eight amino acids and have cationic detergent action on cell membranes. Polymyxin B is used for infections with gram-negative organisms, but may be neurotoxic and nephrotoxic. All gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and the gram-negative cocci, N. gonorrhea and N. menigitidis, are resistant.
Polymyxin B sulfate has a bactericidal action against almost all gram-negative bacilli except the Proteus group. Polymyxin B sulfate binds to and interferes with the permeability of the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane.

Uses: For treatment of infections of the urinary tract, meninges, and blood stream, caused by susceptible strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

See Also:
Neosporin (Bacitracin + Neomycin + Polymyxin B)

Description: Piperacillin is a penicillin beta-lactam antibiotic used in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible, usually gram-positive, organisms. The name “penicillin” can either refer to several variants of penicillin available, or to the group of antibiotics derived from the penicillins. Piperacillin has in vitro activity against gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The bactericidal activity of piperacillin results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis and is mediated through piperacillin binding to penicillin binding proteins (PBPs). Piperacillin is stable against hydrolysis by a variety of beta-lactamases, including penicillinases, and cephalosporinases and extended spectrum beta-lactamases.
By binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, piperacillin inhibits the third and last stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cell lysis is then mediated by bacterial cell wall autolytic enzymes such as autolysins; it is possible that piperacillin interferes with an autolysin inhibitor.

Piperacillin is normally used together with a beta-lactamase inhibitor such as tazobactam, the combination has activity against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens and anaerobes, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Uses: For the treatment of polymicrobial infections.
Nasal Spray is indicated for the treatment of the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis such as rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal pruritus in adults and children 5 years and older, and for the treatment of the symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis, such as rhinorrhea, nasal congestion and postnasal drip in adults and children 12 years and older.

Additional Information Data And Resources:
Pipracil Prescribing Information
Zosyn Prescribing Information

Description: Penicillin V is a penicillin beta-lactam antibiotic drug used in the treatment of many bacterial infections caused by susceptible, usually gram-positive, organisms. The name “penicillin” can either refer to several variants of penicillin available, or to the group of antibiotics derived from the penicillins. Penicillin V has in vitro activity against gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The bactericidal activity of penicillin V results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis and is mediated through penicillin V binding to penicillin binding proteins (PBPs). Penicillin V is stable against hydrolysis by a variety of beta-lactamases, including penicillinases, and cephalosporinases and extended spectrum beta-lactamases.
By binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, penicillin V inhibits the third and last stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Cell lysis is then mediated by bacterial cell wall autolytic enzymes such as autolysins; it is possible that penicillin V interferes with an autolysin inhibitor.

Uses: For the treatment of mild to moderately severe infections (e.g. dental infection, infections in the heart, middle ear infections, rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, skin infections, upper and lower respiratory tract infections) due to microorganisms.

Additional Information Data And Resources:
MedlinePlus Penicillin V Information
Penicillin Wikipedia Article

Description: Penicillin G is a penicillin beta-lactam antibiotic drug used in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible, usually gram-positive, organisms. The name “penicillin” can either refer to several variants of penicillin available, or to the group of antibiotics derived from the penicillins. Penicillin G has in vitro activity against gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The bactericidal activity of penicillin G results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis and is mediated through penicillin G binding to penicillin binding proteins (PBPs). Penicillin G is stable against hydrolysis by a variety of beta-lactamases, including penicillinases, and cephalosporinases and extended spectrum beta-lactamases.
By binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, penicillin G inhibits the third and last stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Cell lysis is then mediated by bacterial cell wall autolytic enzymes such as autolysins; it is possible that penicillin G interferes with an autolysin inhibitor.

Uses: For use in the treatment of severe infections caused by penicillin G-susceptible microorganisms when rapid and high penicillin levels are required.

Additional Information Data And Resources:
Bicillin L-A Prescribing Information
Pfizerpen Prescribing Information

Penicillin G + Procaine

Brand/Trade Names: Bicillin C-R

Description: Procaine benzylpenicillin (rINN), also known as procaine penicillin, is a combination of benzylpenicillin with the local anaesthetic agent procaine. Following deep intramuscular injection, it is slowly absorbed into the circulation and hydrolysed to benzylpenicillin — thus it is used where prolonged low concentrations of benzylpenicillin are required. This combination is aimed at reducing the pain and discomfort associated with a large intramuscular injection of penicillin. It is widely used in veterinary settings.

Uses: This drug is indicated in the treatment of moderately severe infections due to penicillin-G-susceptible microorganisms that are susceptible to serum levels common to this particular dosage form. Therapy should be guided by bacteriological studies (including susceptibility testing) and by clinical response.

Additional Information Data And Resources:
Bicillin C-R Prescribing Information

Description: Ofloxacin is a quinolone/fluoroquinolone antibiotic drug. Ofloxacin is bactericidal and its mode of action depends on blocking of bacterial DNA replication by binding itself to an enzyme called DNA gyrase, which allows the untwisting required to replicate one DNA double helix into two. Notably the drug has 100 times higher affinity for bacterial DNA gyrase than for mammalian. Ofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Ofloxacin acts on DNA gyrase, an enzyme which, like human topoisomerase, prevents the excessive supercoiling of DNA during replication or transcription.

Uses: For the treatment of infections (respiratory tract, kidney, skin, soft tissue, UTI), urethral and cervical gonorrhoea and is an alternative treatment to ciprofloxacin for anthrax.

Additional Information Data And Resources:
Floxin Otic Solution Prescribing Information
Floxin Tablets Prescribing Information

Description: Norfloxacin is a quinolone/fluoroquinolone antibiotic drug.
Norfloxacin is bactericidal and its mode of action depends on blocking of bacterial DNA replication by binding itself to an enzyme called DNA gyrase, which allows the untwisting required to replicate one DNA double helix into two. Notably the drug has 100 times higher affinity for bacterial DNA gyrase than for mammalian.
The bactericidal action of norfloxacin results from inhibition of the enzymes topoisomerase II (DNA gyrase) and topoisomerase IV, which are required for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, repair, and recombination.
Norfloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is active against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterias. The fluorine atom at the 6 position increases potency against gram-negative organisms, and the piperazine moiety at the 7 position is responsible for anti-pseudomonal activity.

Uses: Norfloxacin is used for the treatment of urinary tract infection.

Additional Information Data And Resources:
Noroxin Prescribing Information

Description: Nitrofurantoin, a nitrofuran antibacterial agent, is available in microcrystalline and macrocrystalline form to treat urinary tract infections caused by many gram-negative and some gram-positive bacteria.
Nitrofurantoin inhibits bacterial acetyl-coenzyme A, interfering with the organism’s carbohydrate metabolism. The drug also can disrupt bacterial cell wall formation.

Uses: Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic usually used for the treatment of the urinary tract infection.

Additional Information Data And Resources:
Macrodantin Prescribing Information

Description: Neosporin (from Neo, (Greek) new + Sporos, (Greek) seed) is the product name of an antibiotic ointment used in the prevention of infection and speeding the healing of wounds. The original ointment contains three different antibiotics: bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B. Neomycin and polymyxin are effective in killing gram-negative bacteria, while bacitracin targets gram-positive bacteria; hence, this ‘triple antibiotic’ ointment covers for a wide range of bacteria which may infect wounds. However, these antibiotics are generally only used topically, because they are known for causing serious side effects (such as nephrotoxicity) when used parenterally. Even when used topically, the antibiotic ointment may cause side effects; in particular, neomycin is well-known for causing allergic reactions such as allergic contact dermatitis. Neosporin also commonly harmlessly exaggerates the pain of abrasions and external injuries.

Uses:

Cream - Neosporin (Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfates, and Gramicidin) Cream is indicated for: the treatment of infection in dermatologic disorders, particularly where the lesions are moist or weeping; the prophylaxis of bacterial contamination in burns, skin grafts, incisions and other clean lesions; abrasions, minor cuts and wounds, where the cream may prevent infection and permit normal healing.

Ointment - Neosporin (Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfates, and Bacitracin Zinc) Ointment is indicated for all lesions which are infected or likely to become infected by bacteria.

Eye and Ear Solution Steril - Neosporin (Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfates, and Gramicidin) Eye and Ear Solution Sterile is indicated for the prophylaxis and treatment of eye and ear infections. Irrigating Solution Neosporin (Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfates) Irrigating Solution is to be diluted and used as a continuous irrigant or rinse for short-term use in the urinary bladder of abacteriuric patients to help prevent bacteriuria and gram-negative rod bacteremia associated with the use of indwelling catheters.

Additional Information Data And Resources:
Neosporin (for irrigation) Prescribing Information
Neosporin (ophthalmic solution) Prescribing Information
Neosporin - Product Monograph

Description: Mupirocin, an antibiotic produced from Pseudomonas fluorescens, is structurally unrelated to any other topical or systemic antibiotics. Mupirocin is used to treat infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus and beta-hemolytic streptococci including Streptococcus pyogenes. This antibiotic has little, if any, potential for cross-resistance with other antibiotics.
Mupirocin reversibly binds to bacterial isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase, an enzyme which promotes the conversion of isoleucine and tRNA to isoleucyl-tRNA, resulting in the inhibition of bacterial protein and RNA synthesis.

Uses: For the treatment of Staphylococci nasal carriers, secondarily infected traumatic skin lesions (up to 10 cm in length or 100 cm2 in area) due to susceptible strains of S. aureus and S. pyogenes.

Additional Information Data And Resources:
Bactroban Cream Prescribing Information
Bactroban Ointment Prescribing Information
Centany Prescribing Information