Trimethoprim

Bacteriostatic

Inhibits bacterial thymidine synthesis

N/A

Being a folate antagonist, trimethoprim should not be prescribed for pregnant ladies who are in their first trimester

Nitrofurantoin

Bacteriostatic

Believed to be inhibition of several bacterial enzymes involved in the synthesis of DNA, RNA and other bacterial metabolic enzymes

N/A

Not to be used in pregnant ladies who are in their third trimester as it may induce neonatal haemolysis. Risk of lung fibrosis and hepatotoxicity

Penicillin

Bactericidal

Interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis

Ampicillin

Amoxicillin

Flucloxacillin

Penicillin V

Benzylpenicillin

Piperacillin

Contraindicated in patients who have hypersensitivity to penicillin. Encephalopathy is also another rare but serious side of penicillin

Fluoroquinolones

Bactericidal

Inhibits DNA gyrase

Ciprofloxacin

Levofloxacin

Ofloxacin

Moxifloxacin

Norfloxacin

Contraindicated if patients have a history of tendon rupture or tendonitis

Aminoglycoside

Bactericidal

Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis

Gentamicin

Neomycin

Amikacin

Tobramycin

Streptomycin

Well known side effects of this class of medication are ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity

Fosfomycin

Bactericidal

Inhibits enzyme-catalyzed reaction in bacterial cell wall synthesis

N/A

Cephalosporin

Bactericidal

Disrupts bacterial cell wall synthesis

First generation: cefazolin, cephalexin

Second generation: cefoxitin, cefaclor, cefuroxime

Third generation: ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, ceftazidime

Fourth generation: cefepime

About 0.5–6.5% of penicillin-sensitive/allergic patients will also be sensitive to cephalosporins

Carbapenem

Bactericidal

Disrupts bacterial cell wall synthesis

Meropenem

Ertapenem

Imipenem

Doripenem