What class do Cephalosporins belong to?

Cephalosporins are classified as beta-lactam antibiotics. This classification is based on their chemical structure, which includes a beta-lactam ring that is integral to their mechanism of action. Beta-lactam antibiotics inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis, making them effective against a broad spectrum of bacterial infections.

Cephalosporins are commonly used in clinical practice due to their effectiveness and safety profile. Their ability to disrupt the formation of the bacterial cell wall leads to cell lysis and death, particularly in certain strains of bacteria.

The other classes listed have different structures and mechanisms of action. Aminoglycosides, for example, work by inhibiting protein synthesis, while tetracyclines also focus on protein synthesis but do so through a different mechanism. Macrolides likewise affect protein synthesis but target a different part of the ribosome. This distinction in classification helps healthcare professionals select appropriate antibiotics based on the type of infection being treated and the specific bacteria involved.