Azlocillin is an extended-spectrum β-lactam antibiotic derived from ampicillin. It is useful against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, H. influenzae, and a variety of other gram-negative species. It has also been used to develop antibiotic counting techniques. Azlocillin sodium is freely soluble in aqueous solution.
β-lactams inhibit the formation of peptidoglycan cross-links within bacterial cell walls by targeting penicillin-binding proteins or PBPs. Consequently, the bacterial cell wall becomes weak and cytolysis occurs. Resistance to β-lactam antibiotics occurs in the presence of cells containing plasmid encoded extended spectrum β-lactamases or ESBLs.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY GRADE