beta-lactam antibiotics


beta-lactam antibiotics

An important group of drugs that includes the penicillins and the cephalosporins. All have a 4-membered beta-lactam ring as part of the basic structure. Many organisms produce beta-lactamase enzymes that can destroy these antibiotics. This is a common cause of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Certain molecules called BETA-LACTAM INHIBITORS, however, can bind to beta-lactamase enzymes and inactivate them.