Beta-lactam antibiotics

class of broad-spectrum antibiotics, consisting of all antibiotic agents that contain a β-lactam ring in their molecular structures

thumb|Core structure of penicillins (top) and [[cephalosporins (bottom). Beta-lactam ring in red.]] right|thumb|Escherichia coli bacteria on the right are sensitive to two beta-lactam antibiotics, and do not grow in the semi-circular regions surrounding antibiotics. E. coli bacteria on the left are resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics, and grow next to one antibiotic (bottom) and are less inhibited by another antibiotic (top).

chemical compound

Tazobactam is a pharmaceutical drug that inhibits the action of bacterial β-lactamases, especially those belonging to the SHV-1 and TEM groups. It is commonly used as its sodium salt, tazobactam sodium.

6-APA ((+)-6-aminopenicillanic acid) is an organic compound that is used in the synthesis of β–lactam antibiotics including amoxicillin, ampicillin, oxacillin, and carbenicillin. The major commercial source of 6-APA is natural penicillin G, which contains an N-phenylacetyl substituent.

thumb|right|250px|Core structure of the cephalosporins. thumb|250px|Core structure of the cephamycins.

chemical compound

A penem is a type of β-lactam with an unsaturated five-member heterocycle containing a sulfur atom in a pentacyclic ring fused to the β-lactam ring. Penems do not occur naturally; all are synthetic. Related to penems are carbapenems, which have a carbon atom in place of the sulfur atom.