Tetracycline antibiotic
Tetracycline Antibiotic
Tetracycline Antibiotics (pronunciation: te-tra-sy-kleen an-ti-bi-ot-iks) are a class of antibiotics that are broad-spectrum, meaning they can be used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. They were discovered in the 1940s and are derived from a type of soil-dwelling bacteria called Streptomyces.
Etymology
The term "Tetracycline" is derived from the Greek words "tetra", meaning four, and "kyklos", meaning circle. This is in reference to the four hydrocarbon rings that form the core structure of these antibiotics.
Mechanism of Action
Tetracycline antibiotics work by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, thereby preventing their growth and multiplication. They do this by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of the bacteria, which prevents the attachment of the aminoacyl-tRNA to the RNA-ribosome complex.
Types of Tetracycline Antibiotics
There are several types of tetracycline antibiotics, including:
Each of these has a slightly different spectrum of activity and side effect profile.
Side Effects
Common side effects of tetracycline antibiotics include:
In rare cases, they can also cause more serious side effects such as hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
Usage
Tetracycline antibiotics are used to treat a variety of infections, including:
They are also used in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections, which can cause stomach ulcers.
Resistance
Antibiotic resistance to tetracycline antibiotics has become a significant problem in recent years. This is largely due to the overuse and misuse of these drugs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tetracycline antibiotic
- Wikipedia's article - Tetracycline antibiotic
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