Buynak JD. Understanding the longevity of the beta-lactam antibiotics and of antibiotic/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations.
Biochem Pharmacol 2005;
71:930-40. [PMID:
16359643 DOI:
10.1016/j.bcp.2005.11.012]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2005] [Revised: 11/02/2005] [Accepted: 11/10/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Microbial resistance necessitates the search for new targets and new antibiotics. However, it is likely that resistance problems will eventually threaten these new products and it may, therefore, be instructive to review the successful employment of beta-lactam antibiotic/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations to combat penicillin resistance. These combination drugs have proven successful for more than two decades, with inhibitor resistance still being relatively rare. The beta-lactamase inhibitors are mechanism-based irreversible inactivators. The ability of the inhibitors to avoid resistance may be due to the structural similarities between the substrate and inhibitor.
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