What type of antibiotics are known as the 'big gun' antibiotics?

The term 'big gun' antibiotics is commonly used to refer to glycopeptides, which include well-known agents such as vancomycin. These antibiotics are particularly effective against serious Gram-positive infections, including those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Glycopeptides work by inhibiting cell wall synthesis, making them potent options for treating resistant bacterial infections.

The use of glycopeptides is typically reserved for more severe infections or in cases where other antibiotics may not be effective, primarily due to their ability to combat resistant strains. This characteristic further solidifies their status as 'big gun' antibiotics in the clinical setting.

In contrast, the other classes of antibiotics have their roles but are generally considered first-line or less potent compared to glycopeptides when tackling resistant Gram-positive infections. Cephalosporins are broad-spectrum antibiotics that can be effective, but they may not be reliable against certain resistant bacteria. Aminoglycosides have specific applications, particularly against Gram-negative organisms, while macrolides primarily target atypical pathogens and are less suited for serious resistant infections. This distinction highlights why glycopeptides are recognized as the 'big guns' in the antibiotic arsenal.