Comprehensive Overview of Antibiotics
Below is a detailed summary of antibiotics, organized by class, including their mechanisms of
action, common adverse effects, excretion pathways, and typical doses. Where applicable,
treatment flowcharts (fluxograms) are included.
Antibiotic Classes
Mechanism
Class Examples Adverse Effects Excretion Typical Doses
of Action
Inhibit Nephrotoxicity, Gentamicin: 3-
Gentamicin, bacterial ototoxicity, 5 mg/kg/day
Aminoglycosides Renal
Tobramycin protein neuromuscular IV/IM in
synthesis blockade divided doses
Amoxicillin:
Penicillins (e.g., Inhibit Renal
Allergic reactions, 500 mg orally
Amoxicillin), bacterial (most),
Beta-lactams diarrhea, C. difficile every 8 hours;
Cephalosporins cell wall hepatic
infection Ceftriaxone: 1-
(e.g., Ceftriaxone) synthesis (Ceftriaxone)
2 g IV/IM daily
Azithromycin:
Inhibit
Gastrointestinal 500 mg on
Azithromycin, bacterial
Macrolides upset, QT Hepatic day 1, then
Erythromycin protein
prolongation 250 mg daily
synthesis
for 4 days
Inhibit
Tendon rupture, QT Ciprofloxacin:
Ciprofloxacin, bacterial
Fluoroquinolones prolongation, CNS Renal 500 mg orally
Levofloxacin DNA
effects every 12 hours
synthesis
Inhibit
Doxycycline:
bacterial Photosensitivity, Renal and
Tetracyclines Doxycycline 100 mg orally
protein esophagitis hepatic
twice daily
synthesis
TMP-SMX:
Inhibit folic Rash, Stevens-
Trimethoprim- 160/800 mg
Sulfonamides acid Johnson Syndrome Renal
Sulfamethoxazole orally twice
synthesis (SJS), hyperkalemia
daily
Inhibit Vancomycin:
Red man syndrome
bacterial 15-20 mg/kg
Glycopeptides Vancomycin (infusion reaction), Renal
cell wall IV every 8-12
nephrotoxicity
synthesis hours
Below is a detailed summary of antibiotics, organized by class, including their mechanisms of
action, common adverse effects, excretion pathways, and typical doses. Where applicable,
treatment flowcharts (fluxograms) are included.
Antibiotic Classes
Mechanism
Class Examples Adverse Effects Excretion Typical Doses
of Action
Inhibit Nephrotoxicity, Gentamicin: 3-
Gentamicin, bacterial ototoxicity, 5 mg/kg/day
Aminoglycosides Renal
Tobramycin protein neuromuscular IV/IM in
synthesis blockade divided doses
Amoxicillin:
Penicillins (e.g., Inhibit Renal
Allergic reactions, 500 mg orally
Amoxicillin), bacterial (most),
Beta-lactams diarrhea, C. difficile every 8 hours;
Cephalosporins cell wall hepatic
infection Ceftriaxone: 1-
(e.g., Ceftriaxone) synthesis (Ceftriaxone)
2 g IV/IM daily
Azithromycin:
Inhibit
Gastrointestinal 500 mg on
Azithromycin, bacterial
Macrolides upset, QT Hepatic day 1, then
Erythromycin protein
prolongation 250 mg daily
synthesis
for 4 days
Inhibit
Tendon rupture, QT Ciprofloxacin:
Ciprofloxacin, bacterial
Fluoroquinolones prolongation, CNS Renal 500 mg orally
Levofloxacin DNA
effects every 12 hours
synthesis
Inhibit
Doxycycline:
bacterial Photosensitivity, Renal and
Tetracyclines Doxycycline 100 mg orally
protein esophagitis hepatic
twice daily
synthesis
TMP-SMX:
Inhibit folic Rash, Stevens-
Trimethoprim- 160/800 mg
Sulfonamides acid Johnson Syndrome Renal
Sulfamethoxazole orally twice
synthesis (SJS), hyperkalemia
daily
Inhibit Vancomycin:
Red man syndrome
bacterial 15-20 mg/kg
Glycopeptides Vancomycin (infusion reaction), Renal
cell wall IV every 8-12
nephrotoxicity
synthesis hours
