Antibiotics are drugs used to inhibit bacteria growth. According to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, antibiotics kill bacteria or prevent them from reproducing. Different classes of antibiotics are available to treat a broad range of bacterial infections.
Aminoglycosides
According to the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics, aminoglycosides kill bacteria by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial protein. Examples of aminoglycosides include gentamicin, neomycin and streptomycin. According to Merck.com, common side effects of aminoglycosides are loss of hearing, kidney damage and dizziness. Pregnant women are advised to avoid taking aminoglycosides because the drugs may cause hearing loss and kidney damage to their unborn children.
Penicillins
APUA explains that penicillins work by inhibiting the formation of bacterial cell walls that are necessary in order for bacteria to survive. Examples of penicillins include amoxicillin, ampicillin and oxacillin. According to Merck.com, common side effects of penicillins are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and allergic reactions. There is a cross sensitivity between penicillins and cephalosporins. Patients allergic to penicillins should avoid taking cephalosporins.
Cephalosporins
According to APUA, cephalosporins have structural similarities to penicillins. Many people allergic to penicillins are also allergic to cephalosporins. Examples of cephalosporins include cefazolin, cephalexin and ceftriaxone. According to Merck.com, common side effects of cephalosporins include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and allergic reactions. Patients allergic to penicillins are advised not to take cephalosporins.
Tetracyclines
APUA states that tetracyclines inhibit synthesis of bacterial proteins by binding to part of the bacterial ribosome. Examples of tetracyclines include doxycline, tetracycline and minocycline. According to Merck.com, common side effects of tetracycline are gastrointestinal upset and sensitivity to light. Children under 8 years of age should not use tetracyclines because they cause permanent teeth staining.
Fluoroquinolones
According to APUA, fluoroquinolones block the synthesis of bacterial DNA by inhibiting gyrase, an enzyme that bacteria need to synthesize DNA. Examples of fluoroquinolones include ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. According to Merck.com, side effects of fluoroquinolones are tremors, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms and diarrhea.
Sulfonamides
APUA states that sulfonamides destroy bacteria by blocking bacterial cell wall metabolism. Examples of sulfonamides include sulfamethoxazole and sulfasalazine. According to Merck.com, common side effects of sulfonamides are gastrointestinal upset, allergic reactions, crystals in urine and sensitivity to light.
