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 edit
Narrow-spectrum edit
β-lactamase-sensitive edit
- Benzathine
- benzylpenicillin (Penicillin G)
- Benzathine penicillin G
- Benzathine penicillin V
- Phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V)
- Procaine penicillin
- Pheneticillin
β-lactamase-resistant edit
Broad spectrum edit
Extended spectrum (Antipseudomonal) edit
Carboxypenicillins edit
Ureidopenicillins edit
Cephems edit
First generation (moderate spectrum) edit
Second generation (moderate spectrum) edit
cefuroxime, cefaclor, cefprozil
With anti-Haemophilus activity edit
With anti-anaerobic activity edit
Third generation (broad spectrum) edit
Fourth generation (broad spectrum) edit
(With β-lactamase stability and enhanced activity against Gram-positive bacteria and Pseudomonas aeruginosa)
Fifth generation* (broad spectrum) edit
(activity against MRSA and variably VRE. *Not universally accepted nomenclature. NO Antipseudomonal activity, mostly ceftriaxone coverage with additional MRSA and some VRE)
Carbapenems and penems edit
(Broadest spectrum of β-lactam antibiotics)
Monobactams edit
- Aztreonam
- Tigemonam
- Nocardicin A
- Tabtoxinine β-lactam (does not inhibit penicillin-binding proteins)