Aminoglycosides

Aminoglycosides

Aminoglycosides (pronunciation: /ˌæmɪnoʊˈɡlaɪkəˌsaɪdz/) are a class of antibiotics used primarily to treat bacterial infections that are resistant to other antibiotics.

Etymology

The term "aminoglycoside" is derived from the chemical structure of these antibiotics, which contain an amino (nitrogen-containing) group and a glycoside (sugar-containing) group.

Usage

Aminoglycosides are used to treat serious infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter, and certain Enterobacteriaceae. They are often used in combination with other antibiotics for a synergistic effect.

Mechanism of Action

Aminoglycosides work by binding to the bacterial ribosome, inhibiting protein synthesis and causing misreading of the mRNA code, leading to cell death.

Side Effects

Common side effects of aminoglycosides include ototoxicity (damage to the ear), nephrotoxicity (damage to the kidneys), and neuromuscular blockade (interference with nerve and muscle function).

Related Terms

• Antibiotic
• Bacterial Infections
• Gram-negative bacteria
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Acinetobacter
• Enterobacteriaceae
• Ribosome
• mRNA
• Ototoxicity
• Nephrotoxicity
• Neuromuscular blockade

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Aminoglycosides
• Wikipedia's article - Aminoglycosides

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