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)
β-lactamase inhibitors[edit]
