Anti-infectives
204 drugs
Aminoglycosides
- About this sectionBactericidal antibiotics that make bacteria misread their genetic code; strong against aerobic…
- AmikacinDecoding (A) site of the bacterial 16S rRNA, 30S ribosomal subunit
- GentamicinDecoding (A) site of the bacterial 16S rRNA, 30S ribosomal subunit
- NeomycinDecoding (A) site of the bacterial 16S rRNA, 30S ribosomal subunit
- PlazomicinDecoding (A) site of the bacterial 16S rRNA, 30S ribosomal subunit
- Streptomycin16S rRNA and ribosomal protein S12 of the bacterial 30S subunit
- TobramycinDecoding (A) site of the bacterial 16S rRNA, 30S ribosomal subunit
Anthelmintics
- About this sectionDrugs against worms: benzimidazoles for roundworms and cysts, ivermectin for Strongyloides and filariae…
- AlbendazoleHelminth β-tubulin (colchicine site)
- DiethylcarbamazineFilarial microfilariae and adult worms (mechanism not established)
- IvermectinNematode glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluCl)
- MebendazoleHelminth β-tubulin (colchicine site)
- MoxidectinNematode glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluCl)
- PraziquantelSchistosome TRPM channel (TRPM_PZQ)
- Pyrantel pamoateNematode nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (L-type) of body-wall muscle
- TriclabendazoleFasciola liver fluke (exact molecular target not established)
Anti-herpesvirus agents
- About this sectionAntivirals that stop herpesviruses (herpes simplex, varicella-zoster, cytomegalovirus) from copying their…
- AciclovirViral DNA polymerase (herpes simplex and varicella-zoster)
- CidofovirViral DNA polymerase (CMV)
- FamciclovirViral thymidine kinase (activation) and viral DNA polymerase
- FoscarnetViral DNA polymerase (pyrophosphate-binding site)
- GanciclovirCMV DNA polymerase (activated by the viral UL97 kinase)
- LetermovirCMV DNA terminase complex (pUL56 subunit)
- PenciclovirViral thymidine kinase (activation) and viral DNA polymerase
- Trifluridine (ophthalmic)Viral DNA synthesis (thymidylate synthase and DNA polymerase)
- ValaciclovirViral DNA polymerase (through its active form, aciclovir)
- ValganciclovirCMV DNA polymerase (through ganciclovir, activated by UL97)
Anti-influenza agents
- About this sectionAntivirals against flu that work best when started early. They shorten illness; they do not replace the…
- Baloxavir marboxilCap-dependent endonuclease of the influenza polymerase (PA subunit)
- OseltamivirInfluenza virus neuraminidase
- PeramivirInfluenza neuraminidase
- RimantadineInfluenza A M2 proton channel
- ZanamivirInfluenza virus neuraminidase
Antileishmanials
- About this sectionDrugs against Leishmania: injected meglumine antimoniate and oral miltefosine treat the cutaneous and…
- Meglumine antimoniateLeishmania trypanothione reductase (and the parasite's thiols)
- MiltefosineLeishmania membrane lipids and signalling
Antileprosy drugs
- About this sectionMedicines against Mycobacterium leprae. Leprosy is cured with multidrug therapy: rifampicin, dapsone and…
- ClofazimineMycobacterial membrane and respiratory chain (several actions)
- DapsoneDihydropteroate synthase (folate pathway of mycobacteria)
Antimalarials
- About this sectionDrugs that kill Plasmodium: artemisinin combinations for P. falciparum, chloroquine for P. vivax, primaquine…
- Artemether + lumefantrineParasite heme (artemether is activated by heme iron; lumefantrine blocks heme detoxification)
- ArtesunateParasite heme iron, which opens the endoperoxide bridge (activation), and many parasite proteins
- Atovaquone + proguanilParasite mitochondrial cytochrome bc1 complex, Qo site (atovaquone); parasite dihydrofolate reductase (cycloguanil, from proguanil)
- ChloroquineHeme detoxification (hemozoin formation) in the parasite's digestive vacuole
- Dihydroartemisinin–piperaquineParasite heme (dihydroartemisinin is activated by heme iron; piperaquine blocks heme detoxification)
- MefloquineNot fully defined: binds hemozoin like chloroquine; one study showed it binding the P. falciparum 80S ribosome
- PrimaquineNot fully known: reactive metabolites act on liver hypnozoites and gametocytes
- QuinineHeme detoxification in the parasite's digestive vacuole (presumed, like chloroquine)
- Sulfadoxine–pyrimethaminePlasmodium dihydropteroate synthase (sulfadoxine) and dihydrofolate reductase (pyrimethamine)
- TafenoquineNot fully known: like primaquine, acts on liver hypnozoites and gametocytes
Antiseptics, disinfectants and sterilants
- About this sectionChemicals that kill microbes on skin (antiseptics), on surfaces and instruments (disinfectants), or kill…
- ChlorhexidineBacterial cell membrane
- Povidone-iodineMicrobial proteins and membranes (free iodine)
Antitrypanosomals
- About this sectionDrugs against trypanosomes: benznidazole and nifurtimox cure Chagas disease when given early; others treat…
- BenznidazoleTrypanosoma cruzi type I nitroreductase (activates the prodrug)
- NifurtimoxTrypanosoma cruzi nitroreductase (activates the prodrug)
- PentamidineSeveral parasite targets (DNA, RNA, phospholipid and protein synthesis)
Antituberculosis drugs
- About this sectionMedicines that kill or stop Mycobacterium tuberculosis. They are always combined so the bacillus cannot…
- Aminosalicylic acidFolate pathway of M. tuberculosis (acts downstream of dihydropteroate synthase)
- BedaquilineATP synthase, subunit c (M. tuberculosis)
- CycloserineAlanine racemase and D-alanine–D-alanine ligase
- DelamanidDeazaflavin-dependent nitroreductase Ddn (activating enzyme)
- EthambutolArabinosyltransferase EmbB (M. tuberculosis)
- EthionamideEnoyl-ACP reductase InhA (M. tuberculosis)
- IsoniazidEnoyl-ACP reductase InhA (M. tuberculosis)
- PretomanidDeazaflavin-dependent nitroreductase Ddn (activating enzyme)
- PyrazinamideAspartate decarboxylase PanD (M. tuberculosis), target of pyrazinoic acid
- RifabutinDNA-dependent RNA polymerase, β subunit
- RifampicinDNA-dependent RNA polymerase, β subunit (M. tuberculosis)
- RifapentineDNA-dependent RNA polymerase, β subunit
Azole antifungals
- About this sectionAntifungals that block the fungal enzyme that makes ergosterol (CYP51). They also block human CYP enzymes…
- ClotrimazoleLanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51, the fungal ERG11 enzyme)
- FluconazoleLanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51, the fungal ERG11 enzyme)
- IsavuconazoleLanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51, the fungal ERG11 enzyme)
- ItraconazoleLanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51, the fungal ERG11 enzyme)
- KetoconazoleLanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51, the fungal ERG11 enzyme)
- MiconazoleLanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51, the fungal ERG11 enzyme)
- PosaconazoleLanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51, the fungal ERG11 enzyme)
- VoriconazoleLanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51, the fungal ERG11 enzyme)
Beta-lactams
- About this sectionAntibiotics with a four-atom β-lactam ring that stop bacteria from building their cell wall: penicillins…
- AmoxicillinPenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- Amoxicillin + clavulanic acidBacterial PBPs (amoxicillin) and β-lactamases (clavulanic acid)
- AmpicillinPenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- Ampicillin + sulbactamBacterial PBPs (ampicillin) and β-lactamases (sulbactam)
- Benzathine benzylpenicillinPenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial DD-transpeptidases)
- Benzylpenicillin (penicillin G)Penicillin-binding proteins (bacterial DD-transpeptidases)
- CefaclorPenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- CefalexinPenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- CefazolinPenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- CefdinirPenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- CefepimePenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- CefiderocolPenicillin-binding proteins, mainly PBP3
- CefiximePenicillin-binding protein 2 (PBP2) and other PBPs
- CefotaximePenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- CefotetanPenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- CefoxitinPenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- CefpodoximePenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- CeftarolineMRSA PBP2a and other PBPs
- CeftazidimePenicillin-binding proteins, mainly PBP3
- Ceftazidime + avibactamBacterial PBPs (ceftazidime) and class A, C and some class D β-lactamases (avibactam)
- CeftobiproleMRSA PBP2a and other PBPs
- Ceftolozane + tazobactamBacterial PBPs (ceftolozane) and β-lactamases (tazobactam)
- CeftriaxonePenicillin-binding protein 2 (PBP2) and other PBPs
- CefuroximePenicillin-binding protein 2x (PBP2x) and other PBPs
- CloxacillinPenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- DicloxacillinPenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- FlucloxacillinPenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- NafcillinPenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- OxacillinPenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- Phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V)Penicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- Piperacillin + tazobactamBacterial PBPs, mainly PBP3 (piperacillin), and β-lactamases (tazobactam)
- Procaine benzylpenicillinPenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial DD-transpeptidases)
Carbapenems
- About this sectionThe broadest β-lactams, kept for serious hospital infections and ESBL-producing bacteria; they can lower…
- ErtapenemPenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- Imipenem + cilastatin + relebactamBacterial PBPs (imipenem) and class A and C beta-lactamases, including KPC (relebactam)
- Imipenem–cilastatinPenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- MeropenemPenicillin-binding proteins (bacterial transpeptidases)
- Meropenem–vaborbactamKPC carbapenemase (vaborbactam) and penicillin-binding proteins (meropenem)
Ebola monoclonal antibodies
- About this sectionAntibodies against the Ebola virus glycoprotein. WHO strongly recommends them for Ebola virus disease; they…
- AnsuvimabZaire ebolavirus surface glycoprotein (GP)
- Atoltivimab + maftivimab + odesivimabZaire ebolavirus surface glycoprotein (GP)
Echinocandins
- About this sectionIntravenous antifungals that block making of the fungal cell wall. First choice for candidaemia; human cells…
- Caspofunginβ-1,3-D-glucan synthase (Fks1 catalytic subunit)
- Micafunginβ-1,3-D-glucan synthase (Fks1 catalytic subunit)
- Rezafunginβ-1,3-D-glucan synthase (Fks1 catalytic subunit)
Fixed-dose antiretroviral combinations
- About this sectionTwo, three or more antiretrovirals in one tablet. Fewer pills mean better adherence and less risk of…
- Dolutegravir + lamivudine + tenofovir disoproxil (TLD)HIV integrase (intasome)
Fluoroquinolones
- About this sectionBactericidal antibiotics that trap DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV on cut DNA. Powerful, but with tendon…
- CiprofloxacinBacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV
- DelafloxacinBacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase
- LevofloxacinBacterial topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase
- MoxifloxacinBacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV
- NorfloxacinBacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV
- OfloxacinBacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV
Glycopeptides
- About this sectionLarge antibiotics that block cell-wall building in gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA; vancomycin is the…
- DalbavancinD-Ala–D-Ala terminus of the peptidoglycan precursor
- OritavancinD-Ala–D-Ala end of the peptidoglycan precursor and the bacterial membrane
- TelavancinD-Ala–D-Ala end of the peptidoglycan precursor and the bacterial membrane
- VancomycinD-Ala–D-Ala terminus of the peptidoglycan precursor
Hepatitis B antivirals
- About this sectionOral antivirals that keep hepatitis B virus suppressed and protect the liver. Most people need them for…
- AdefovirHBV polymerase (reverse transcriptase)
- BulevirtideSodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP)
- EntecavirHepatitis B virus polymerase (reverse transcriptase)
Hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals
- About this sectionOral combinations that cure more than 95% of people with hepatitis C in a few weeks. They block three viral…
- Elbasvir + grazoprevirHCV NS3/4A protease (grazoprevir) and NS5A protein (elbasvir)
- Glecaprevir + pibrentasvirHepatitis C virus NS3/4A protease (glecaprevir) and NS5A protein (pibrentasvir)
- Ledipasvir + sofosbuvirHepatitis C virus NS5A protein (ledipasvir) and NS5B polymerase (sofosbuvir)
- SofosbuvirHepatitis C virus NS5B RNA polymerase
- Sofosbuvir + velpatasvirHepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase (sofosbuvir) and NS5A protein (velpatasvir)
- Sofosbuvir + velpatasvir + voxilaprevirHCV NS5B polymerase (sofosbuvir), NS5A (velpatasvir) and NS3/4A protease (voxilaprevir)
HIV capsid inhibitors
- About this sectionAntiretrovirals that bind the protein shell (capsid) around the HIV genome. Lenacapavir is the first, and it…
- LenacapavirHIV-1 capsid protein (p24)
HIV entry inhibitors
- About this sectionDrugs that stop HIV entering the cell, either by covering the CCR5 co-receptor or by preventing the viral…
- EnfuvirtideHIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp41
- FostemsavirHIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120
- IbalizumabCD4 receptor (domain 2)
- MaravirocHuman CCR5 chemokine receptor
HIV protease inhibitors (PIs)
- About this sectionThey block HIV's scissors: without protease, viral proteins are not cut to size and new particles come out…
- AtazanavirHIV-1 protease
- CobicistatCytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4)
- DarunavirHIV-1 protease
- Lopinavir/ritonavirHIV-1 protease
- RitonavirHIV-1 protease
Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs)
- About this sectionThey stop HIV DNA from being inserted into the cell's DNA. Dolutegravir is now the backbone of…
- BictegravirHIV integrase (intasome)
- CabotegravirHIV integrase (intasome)
- DolutegravirHIV integrase (intasome)
- RaltegravirHIV integrase (intasome)
Lincosamides
- About this sectionClindamycin and lincomycin block the peptidyl transferase centre of the 50S ribosome. Strong against…
- ClindamycinBacterial ribosome, 50S subunit (23S rRNA, peptidyl transferase centre)
Lipopeptides
- About this sectionAntibiotics that insert into the gram-positive membrane and depolarize it; daptomycin is the only one in use.
- DaptomycinCytoplasmic membrane of gram-positive bacteria
Macrolides
- About this sectionLarge-ring antibiotics that plug the exit tunnel of the bacterial ribosome. They cover atypical pneumonia…
- AzithromycinBacterial ribosome, 50S subunit (23S rRNA, exit tunnel)
- ClarithromycinBacterial ribosome, 50S subunit (23S rRNA, exit tunnel)
- ErythromycinBacterial ribosome, 50S subunit (23S rRNA, exit tunnel)
- FidaxomicinBacterial RNA polymerase (Clostridioides difficile)
Monobactams
- About this sectionβ-lactams with a single ring that act only on aerobic gram-negatives and rarely cross-react with penicillin…
- AztreonamPenicillin-binding protein 3 of gram-negative bacteria
- Aztreonam + avibactamGram-negative PBP3 (aztreonam) and class A, C and some D beta-lactamases (avibactam)
Nitroimidazoles
- About this sectionProdrugs activated only inside anaerobes and protozoa, where they shred DNA. For anaerobes, trichomoniasis…
- MetronidazoleDNA of anaerobic bacteria and protozoa (after reduction of the nitro group)
- SecnidazoleDNA of anaerobic bacteria and protozoa (after reduction of the nitro group)
- TinidazoleDNA of anaerobic bacteria and protozoa (after reduction of the nitro group)
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs)
- About this sectionDrugs that wedge into a pocket of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, away from the active site, and bend the…
- DoravirineHIV-1 reverse transcriptase (NNRTI pocket)
- EfavirenzHIV-1 reverse transcriptase (NNRTI pocket)
- EtravirineHIV-1 reverse transcriptase (NNRTI pocket)
- NevirapineHIV-1 reverse transcriptase (NNRTI pocket)
- RilpivirineHIV-1 reverse transcriptase (NNRTI pocket)
Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
- About this sectionFake DNA building blocks: HIV reverse transcriptase adds them and the viral DNA chain stops. They form the…
- AbacavirHIV-1 reverse transcriptase
- EmtricitabineHIV-1 reverse transcriptase
- LamivudineHIV-1 reverse transcriptase
- Tenofovir alafenamideHIV-1 reverse transcriptase
- Tenofovir disoproxilHIV-1 reverse transcriptase
- ZidovudineHIV-1 reverse transcriptase
Other antibacterials
- About this sectionAntibacterials that fit no larger family: chloramphenicol, rifaximin and spectinomycin, each with a narrow…
- ChloramphenicolBacterial ribosome, 50S subunit (peptidyl transferase centre)
- RifaximinBacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, β subunit
- SpectinomycinBacterial ribosome, 30S subunit
Other antifungals
- About this sectionAntifungals with their own targets: terbinafine (squalene epoxidase), flucytosine (fungal DNA and RNA) and…
- CiclopiroxMetal-dependent fungal enzymes (through cation chelation)
- FlucytosineFungal RNA and thymidylate synthase, through its metabolite fluorouracil
- GriseofulvinFungal microtubules (tubulin)
- IbrexafungerpFungal β-1,3-D-glucan synthase (Fks1)
- TerbinafineFungal squalene epoxidase (ERG1)
Other antiprotozoals
- About this sectionAntiprotozoal drugs outside the main groups: pyrimethamine for toxoplasmosis, atovaquone for Pneumocystis…
- AtovaquoneMitochondrial cytochrome bc1 complex (complex III), Qo site, of the parasite or fungus
- NitazoxanidePyruvate-ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) of anaerobic protozoa and bacteria
- ParomomycinDecoding (A) site of the 16S ribosomal RNA, small ribosomal subunit
- PyrimethamineParasite dihydrofolate reductase (bifunctional DHFR-thymidylate synthase of Toxoplasma and Plasmodium)
Other antivirals
- About this sectionAntivirals that do not fit the herpes, flu, hepatitis B or HIV groups: ribavirin and the COVID-19 drugs…
- MolnupiravirSARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (nsp12)
- Nirmatrelvir + ritonavirSARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro, 3CL protease)
- RemdesivirSARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (nsp12)
- RibavirinInosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) and viral RNA polymerase
- TecovirimatOrthopoxvirus envelope protein F13 (VP37)
Oxazolidinones
- About this sectionSynthetic antibiotics that block the start of bacterial protein synthesis; active against MRSA and VRE, also…
- LinezolidPeptidyl-transferase centre of the 23S rRNA, 50S ribosomal subunit
- TedizolidPeptidyl-transferase centre of the 23S rRNA, 50S ribosomal subunit
Pleuromutilins
- About this sectionFungus-derived antibiotics that block the peptidyl transferase centre of the 50S ribosome; lefamulin treats…
- LefamulinBacterial ribosome, 50S subunit (peptidyl transferase centre)
Polyene antifungals
- About this sectionAntifungals that bind ergosterol and open holes in the fungal membrane. Amphotericin B goes by vein…
- Amphotericin BErgosterol in the fungal cell membrane (a sterol, not a protein)
- NystatinErgosterol in the fungal cell membrane (a sterol, not a protein)
Polymyxins
- About this sectionOld, detergent-like antibiotics that punch holes in the gram-negative membrane; a last resort for…
- Colistin (colistimethate)Lipid A of the lipopolysaccharide, gram-negative outer membrane
- Polymyxin BLipid A of the lipopolysaccharide, gram-negative outer membrane
Streptogramins
- About this sectionA pair of antibiotics (type A and type B) that bind the 50S ribosome and together kill multidrug-resistant…
- Quinupristin + dalfopristinBacterial ribosome, 50S subunit (peptidyl transferase centre and exit tunnel)
Sulfonamides and trimethoprim
- About this sectionAntifolates that starve bacteria of folate in two steps: sulfonamides block dihydropteroate synthase…
- SulfadiazineDihydropteroate synthase (bacterial and Toxoplasma folate pathway)
- Sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim (co-trimoxazole)Dihydropteroate synthase (sulfamethoxazole) and dihydrofolate reductase (trimethoprim)
- TrimethoprimBacterial dihydrofolate reductase
Tetracyclines
- About this sectionFour-ring antibiotics that block tRNA docking on the 30S ribosome. Key for rickettsiae, chlamydia…
- DemeclocyclineBacterial ribosome, 30S subunit (16S rRNA, A site)
- DoxycyclineBacterial ribosome, 30S subunit (16S rRNA, A site)
- EravacyclineBacterial ribosome, 30S subunit (16S rRNA, A site)
- MinocyclineBacterial ribosome, 30S subunit (16S rRNA, A site)
- OmadacyclineBacterial ribosome, 30S subunit (16S rRNA, A site)
- TetracyclineBacterial ribosome, 30S subunit (16S rRNA, A site)
- TigecyclineBacterial ribosome, 30S subunit (16S rRNA, A site)
Urinary antiseptics
- About this sectionAntibacterials that reach useful levels only in the urine: nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin and methenamine, for…
- FosfomycinUDP-N-acetylglucosamine enolpyruvyl transferase (MurA)
- MethenamineBacterial proteins and nucleic acids in the urine (via formaldehyde)
- NitrofurantoinBacterial ribosomal proteins and other macromolecules (after reduction by bacterial flavoproteins)
A to Z
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Representative model, for educational purposes only.