Which drug class includes Gentamycin?

Gentamicin is classified as an aminoglycoside. This class of antibiotics is known for its effectiveness against a variety of gram-negative bacteria and some gram-positive bacteria. Aminoglycosides work by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which is essential for bacterial growth and replication. Gentamicin, in particular, is often used in the treatment of severe infections caused by susceptible strains of bacteria, especially in hospital settings.

In contrast, the other drug classes have different mechanisms and classes of action: tetracyclines block protein synthesis but do so through a different mechanism, penicillins work by disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis, and macrolides inhibit bacterial protein synthesis as well, yet they target different pathways and have different spectrum activities. Understanding these distinctions helps in selecting appropriate antibiotics based on the type of bacterial infection being treated.