List of β-lactam antibiotics

This is a list of common β-lactam antibiotics—both administered drugs and those not in clinical use—organized by structural class. Antibiotics are listed alphabetically within their class or subclass by their nonproprietary name. If an antibiotic is a combination drug, both ingredients will be listed.

Penams

Narrow-spectrum

β-lactamase-sensitive

β-lactamase-resistant

Broad spectrum

Extended spectrum (Antipseudomonal)

Carboxypenicillins

Ureidopenicillins

Cephems

First generation (moderate spectrum)

Second generation (moderate spectrum)

cefuroxime, cefaclor, cefprozil

With anti-Haemophilus activity

With anti-anaerobic activity

Third generation (broad spectrum)

Fourth generation (broad spectrum)

(With β-lactamase stability and enhanced activity against Gram-positive bacteria and Pseudomonas aeruginosa)

Fifth generation* (broad spectrum)

(activity against MRSA and variably VRE. *Not universally accepted nomenclature. NO Antipseudomonal activity, mostly ceftriaxone coverage with additional MRSA and some VRE)