Summary Antibiotics: Protein Synthesis Inhibitors

Antibiotics: Protein Synthesis Inhibitors


Protein synthesis inhibitors: act to produce non-functional bacterial proteins

1) Tetracyclines- (tetracycline, doxycycline)
 Have a broad spectrum of action
 Use is limited as there is widespread resistance
 S/Es: erythema, photosensitisation, tooth discolouration
 Uses: chlamydia, plague, cholera, community acquired pneumonia




2) Aminoglycosides- (gentamicin, streptomycin, neomycin)
 Varied spectrum and bacterial resistance
 Poor penetration of the blood brain barrier
 Not orally active
 Inhibits protein synthesis
 Increasing resistance as bacteria produce drug-degrading enzymes
 S/Es: ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity
 Uses: gram negative septicaemia, MRSA, endocarditis

3) Chloramphenicol-
 Orally active, bacteriostatic drug
 HIGHLY TOXIC due to bone marrow suppression
 Acts in a similar way to erythromycin but wider spectrum
 Uses: conjunctivitis, meningitis and Haemophilus influenza
 Is only reserved for very serious infections

, 4) Macrolides- (erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin)
 Similar range of action and efficacy to penicillins
 Suitable alternative for penicillin sensitive individuals
 Can cause diarrhoea and jaundice
 Uses: respiratory infection, otitis media, H. pylori, bronchitis, pertussis