What is Azlocillin?
Azlocillin is an antibiotic medication used to treat various bacterial infections, including those caused by gram-negative bacteria and certain gram-positive cocci. It belongs to the class of penicillins known as ureidopenicillins. Azlocillin works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in bacteria, ultimately leading to their death. This medication is typically administered via intravenous injection for severe infections or when oral therapy is not effective. Its antibacterial spectrum includes Staphylococcus aureus and certain strains of E. coli.
What is Azlocillin used for?
Azlocillin is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that belongs to the beta-lactam class of antibiotics. It was synthesized in the 1960s and initially marketed by SmithKline Beecham as an injectable form for treating various bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections and certain types of septicemia.
Azlocillin exerts its antibacterial effect by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in susceptible bacteria. Its mechanism of action involves binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, thereby preventing the formation of a stable bacterial cell wall and ultimately leading to bacterial lysis and death. Azlocillin is most effective against Gram-negative bacteria, although it also exhibits activity against some Gram-positive pathogens. It was often used in combination with other antibiotics or as part of an extended-spectrum penicillin formulation.
In general clinical practice, azlocillin has been employed primarily for treating severe infections caused by susceptible organisms, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. However, the widespread use of more advanced and broad-spectrum antibiotics in recent years has led to its relatively limited clinical application compared to other antibiotic agents with broader coverage.
Azlocillin side effects
- Allergic reactions
- Angioedema
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting)
- Increased bleeding tendency
- Injection site reaction
- Joint disorder (rare)
- Liver enzyme elevations
- Local pain at the injection site
- Pseudomembranous colitis
- Skin rash or urticaria
- Uremia in patients with impaired renal function
- Vaginal moniliasis
- Weakness
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