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The Sound of Evolution
Cephalexin
Mechanism of action:
Cephalexin is a first-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic. The β-lactam ring of cephalexin binds to bacterial penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and inhibits their transpeptidase activity, preventing peptidoglycan chains from cross-linking. This weakens the bacterial cell wall, ultimately causing bacterial lysis and death due to osmotic pressure.
Reference(s):
1. Thornhill TS et al. (1969). In vitro antimicrobial activity and human pharmacology of cephalexin, a new orally absorbed cephalosporin C antibiotic. Appl Microbiol.
2. Sullivan HR et al. (1969). Metabolism of cephalexin-14C in mice and in rats. J Antibiot (Tokyo).
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