Monobactams - Antibiotics for Gram-negative Bacterial Infections

Monobactams are a class of antibiotics with a beta-lactam ring structure, effective against aerobic Gram-negative bacteria.

Monobactams FAQ

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What are monobactams used for?

Indications: Monobactams are narrow-spectrum antibacterial medications that are used primarily to treat gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Mechanism of Action: Monobactams are bactericidal and work to inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis.

What are monobactams characterized by?

Monobactams are characterized by a nonfused β -lactam nucleus which differs from penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. The acidic function required for the activity on the transpeptidases (see above) is a sulfamic acid constructed on the β -lactam ring. Figure 6. Structures of norcardicin A and sulfazecin.

What is a monobactam lactam?

Monobactams have a unique β-lactam structure and are a naturally occurring antibiotic isolated from Chromobacterium spp. In contrast to penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems, monobactams are not fused to an adjacent ring.

Do Monobactams have a beta-lactam ring?

Like penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems, monobactams also have a beta-lactam ring structure. Indications: Monobactams are narrow-spectrum antibacterial medications that are used primarily to treat gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

What was the first monobactam?

Aztreonam, marketed in 1984, was the first monobactam. Other compounds include carumonam, pirazmonam, and tigemonam [ 4 ]. Monobactams are almost exclusively active against Gram-negative bacteria, and their clinical usefulness lies particularly in their antipseudomonal activity.