Ureidopenicillin

The ureidopenicillins are a group of penicillins which are active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There are three ureidopenicillins in clinical use:

• Azlocillin
• Piperacillin
• Mezlocillin

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They are mostly ampicillin derivatives in which the D-side amino chain has been converted to a variety of ureas. It is speculated that the added side chain mimics a longer segment of the peptidoglycan chain, more than ampicillin, and thus would bind more easily to the penicillin-binding proteins. Ureidopenicillins are not resistant to beta-lactamases.

They are used parenterally, and are particularly indicated in infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria.