Abstract

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY OF ANTIBIOTICS: MECHANISMS, THERAPEUTIC USES, AND RESISTANCE PATTERNS

Sengar Ashutosh*, Vishwajeet Kishorilal Chatekar, Samarth Bapu Andhare and

Abstract

Antibiotics have revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections, significantly reducing morbidity and mortality rates. This review examines the clinical pharmacology of antibiotics, emphasizing their mechanisms of action, therapeutic applications, and the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics are classified based on their action into several categories: those that inhibit cell wall synthesis (such as beta-lactams), protein synthesis (including macrolides and aminoglycosides), nucleic acid synthesis (like fluoroquinolones), and metabolic pathways (e.g., sulfonamides). Understanding their pharmacokinetics—absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion—is crucial for optimizing therapeutic outcomes. The review highlights the various therapeutic uses of antibiotics in treating respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and gastrointestinal infections. However, the rise of antibiotic resistance, driven by mechanisms such as enzymatic degradation, target alteration, and efflux pumps, poses a significant global health threat. To combat resistance, the article explores novel drug delivery systems, including liposomal formulations and nanoparticle-based approaches, which enhance the stability and targeted delivery of antibiotics. Additionally, the need for effective antibiotic stewardship programs is emphasized to preserve the efficacy of these critical medications. This comprehensive review underscores the importance of understanding antibiotic pharmacology and the necessity for innovative strategies that enhance efficacy while minimizing resistance, thereby ensuring the continued effectiveness of these essential therapeutic agents.

Keywords: Clinical pharmacology, Antibiotic resistance, Antibiotic stewardship.