Final answer:
Aminoglycosides are important antibiotics that bind to the 30S ribosomal subunit, causing the production of defective bacterial proteins and cell death. They are potently effective as broad-spectrum antibacterials when administered intravenously and are used in severe infections and for bowel decontamination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Although aminoglycosides are not well absorbed when taken orally, they remain highly useful antibiotics due to their mechanism of action. These drugs, including streptomycin and gentamicin, are administered intravenously to target systemic infections and are often used in hospital settings. They function by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, which significantly impairs the proofreading process during protein synthesis. This results in the production of defective proteins that incorporate into the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane, leading to cell death.
Despite their undesired properties of nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and ototoxicity, aminoglycosides are potent broad-spectrum antibacterials, effectively tackling a variety of bacterial infections. In cases where oral administration is not feasible, such as with severe illnesses requiring intravenous delivery, the aminoglycosides are particularly valuable. Moreover, given their limited absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, these drugs can be advantageous for the treatment of certain intestinal infections and for bowel decontamination.