What are the differences between beta lactam and non beta lactam?
Posted October 2, 2023
Answer
Beta Lactam:
- Have a beta lactam ring within their molecular structure
- Are more powerful than non beta lactam antibiotics
- Examples include Penicillin Derivatives, Monobactams, Carbapenems, and Cephalosporins
- Inhibit the synthesis of bacterial cell walls
Non Beta Lactam:
- Do not have a beta lactam ring within their molecular structure
- Are less powerful than beta lactam antibiotics
- Examples include Chloramphenicol, Vancomycin, Daptomycin, and Fosfomycin
- Inhibit protein and nucleic acid synthesis, disrupt the membranes of cells, and function as antimetabolites of bacteria
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