Question

antibacterial drugs and describe their target and their mechanisms of action.

Answer 1

Antibacterial drugs are also known as antibiotics. Antibiotics are medications that destroy or slow down the growth of bacteria.

# Mechanisms of Actions of Antibacterial Drugs

1. Inhibition of cell wall synthesis

2. Alteration in membrane permeability

3.Inhibition of protein synthesis

4. Inhibition of synthesis of bacterial RNA and DNA

5. Interference with cellular metabolism

- Inhibition of cell wall synthesis

Effect: Bactericidal effect, enzyme breakdown of cell wall. Inhibition of enzyme in synthesis of cell wall.

Drugs: PCN, cephalosporins

- Alteration in membrane permeability

Effect: Bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect. Increases membrane permeability. Loss of cellular substances causes lysis of the cell.

Drugs: Amphotericin B, nystatin

- Inhibition of protein synthesis

Effect: Bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect. Interferes with protein synthesis without affecting normal cell. Inhibits the steps of protein synthesis.

Drugs: aminoglycosides, tetracyclines,

erythomycin

- Inhibition of synthesis of bacterial RNA and DNA

Effect: Inhibits synthesis of RNA and DNA in bacteria. Binds to nucleic acid and enzymes needed for nucleic acid synthesis

Drug: fluoroquinolones

- Interference with cellular metabolism

Effect: Bacteriostatic effect. Interferes with steps of metabolism within cells.

Drugs: Sulfonamides, isoniazid (INH)