The carboxypenicillins are a group of antibiotics. They belong to the penicillin family and comprise the members carbenicillin and ticarcillin.

Chemical structure

The carboxypenicillins feature the beta-lactam backbone of all penicillins but also feature a carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid ester group in the variable side-chain.

Spectrum

The carboxypenicillins exhibit activity against gram negative organisms including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus species. They are inactive against certain gram positive pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella spp., and L. monocytogenes. The carobsypenicillins are beta-lactamase sensitive.