The purpose of this course is to provide a review of the classes of antibiotics and their characteristics as well as an overview of the individual antibiotics that are currently available for use by the practitioner. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:1. Describe the general characteristics of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance.2. Outline strategies to combat the development of microbial resistances.3. Discuss the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and effects of penicillins.4. Identify the available cephalosporins and their associated characteristics.5. Describe the other beta-lactams, including the carbapenems and monobactams.6. Discuss the characteristics of the aminoglycosides, macrolides, and telithromycin.7. Outline the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and effects of the quinolones and the sulfonamides.8. Describe the various tetracyclines.This 5-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.