Inhibit cell wall synthesis:
Mechanism: Target enzymes involved in cell wall synthesis.
Example: Penicillins (e.g., amoxicillin) and cephalosporins (e.g., ceftriaxone).
Depolarize the cell membrane:
Mechanism: Bind to the bacterial membrane, causing disruption and leakage.
Example: Polymyxins (e.g., colistin).
Inhibit protein synthesis:
Mechanism: Bind to bacterial ribosomes and interfere with protein synthesis.
Example: Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin), tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline), and macrolides (e.g., erythromycin).
Inhibit nucleic acid synthesis:
Mechanism: Interfere with DNA or RNA synthesis in bacteria.
Example: Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin) inhibit DNA replication and rifampin inhibits RNA synthesis.
Inhibit metabolic pathways:
Mechanism: Target specific enzymes involved in metabolic pathways.
Example: Sulfonamides (e.g., sulfamethoxazole) inhibit folic acid synthesis, an essential metabolic pathway in bacteria.