Neurotoxicity induced by beta-lactam antibiotics: from bench to bedside

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Neuroscience
• Toxicology

Background:

• Central nervous system (CNS) toxicity is a known risk associated with beta-lactam antibiotics.
• Penicillin serves as the prototype for this class of drugs.
• Recent research has advanced the understanding of antibiotic-induced neurotoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the experimental and clinical aspects of beta-lactam antibiotic neurotoxicity.
• To provide an update on the pathogenesis, mechanisms, and clinical manifestations.
• To explore the link between antibiotic structure and neurotoxic effects, specifically convulsive action.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of experimental studies.
• Analysis of clinical case reports and human clinical experience.
• Examination of animal models of antibiotic neurotoxicity.

Main Results:

• Discussion of prevailing theories on the pathogenesis and mechanisms of neurotoxicity.
• Overview of the relationship between the chemical structure of beta-lactam antibiotics and their potential to induce seizures.
• Synthesis of current understanding from both preclinical and clinical data.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced understanding of beta-lactam neurotoxicity is crucial for optimizing antimicrobial therapy.
• Knowledge of neurotoxic mechanisms can guide the development of safer antibiotic agents.
• Improved insights facilitate the efficient and safer clinical application of antimicrobial compounds.