Mezlocillin is an antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin group of drugs. It is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, such as skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, and lower respiratory tract infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It is usually taken by mouth or given as an injection into a vein or muscle. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Mezlocillin is an antibiotic medication that is no longer widely used. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
Past Use:
- Mezlocillin was an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It belonged to a class of antibiotics called penicillinase-resistant penicillins.
How it Worked:
- Mezlocillin worked by interfering with the bacteria's cell wall formation. This weakened the cell wall and ultimately killed the bacteria. However, some bacteria developed resistance to Mezlocillin, rendering it less effective over time.
Reasons for Limited Use:
- Development of Resistance: As mentioned earlier, some bacteria became resistant to Mezlocillin, making it less reliable for treating infections.
- Safer Alternatives: Newer, broader-spectrum antibiotics with improved safety profiles were developed. These medications offered a wider range of effectiveness against bacteria and often had fewer side effects.
Current Status:
- Due to the availability of safer and more effective antibiotics, Mezlocillin is rarely used nowadays.
- In some cases, it might still be considered as a last-resort option for specific infections if the bacteria are sensitive to it and the person cannot tolerate other antibiotics.
Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification
J - Antiinfectives for systemic use
J01 Antibacterials for systemic use
J01C - Beta-lactam antibacterials, penicillins
J01CA Penicillins with extended spectrum
ATC Code
External Links
Mezlocillin