Mode of Action

What is the MOA of Tetracycline?

Inhibits protein synthesis by binding the 30S ribosomal subunit, blocking tRNA attachment.

What is the MOA of Erythromycin?

Inhibits protein synthesis by binding the 50S ribosomal subunit, preventing translocation.

What is the MOA of Penicillin?

Inhibits cell wall synthesis by blocking transpeptidase enzymes (cross-linking peptidoglycan).

What is the MOA of Amoxicillin?

A type of penicillin; also inhibits cell wall synthesis via transpeptidase inhibition.

What is the MOA of Polymyxin?

Disrupts the cell membrane of Gram-negative bacteria by interacting with phospholipids (causes leakage).

What is the MOA of Sulfonamides?

Inhibits folic acid synthesis by blocking dihydropteroate synthase (enzyme in folate pathway).

What is the MOA of Trimethoprim?

Also blocks folic acid synthesis, but targets dihydrofolate reductase, a downstream enzyme.

What is the MOA of Rifampin?

Inhibits RNA synthesis by binding RNA polymerase—stopping transcription.

What is the MOA of Vancomycin?

Inhibits cell wall synthesis by binding to peptidoglycan precursors (not the enzyme like penicillin).

What is the MOA of Bacitracin?

Inhibits cell wall synthesis by blocking transport of peptidoglycan subunits across the membrane.

What is Augmentin, and how does it work?

A combo of amoxicillin + clavulanic acid. Amoxicillin inhibits cell wall synthesis; clavulanic acid inhibits beta-lactamase enzymes, protecting amoxicillin.

What is the MOA of Ciprofloxacin?

Inhibits DNA replication by targeting DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II).

What is the MOA of Cephalosporins?

Like penicillin, they inhibit cell wall synthesis by targeting transpeptidase enzymes.

What is the MOA of Carbapenems?

Broad-spectrum β-lactams; inhibit cell wall synthesis via transpeptidase inhibition, very resistant to β-lactamases.