What is another name for antipseudomonal penicillins?

Antipseudomonal penicillins are also referred to as extended spectrum penicillins because they are designed to target a wider range of bacteria compared to narrow spectrum and natural penicillins. These medications are effective against a variety of gram-negative and gram-positive organisms, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a significant focus in treating serious infections. The term "extended spectrum" captures the broader efficacy of these penicillins against resistant bacterial strains, which are often encountered in clinical settings, especially in immunocompromised patients or those with nosocomial infections. This distinguishes them from narrow spectrum penicillins, which specifically target limited types of bacteria, and broad spectrum penicillins, which generally indicate a wide range but do not specifically highlight the ability to combat Pseudomonas effectively. Natural penicillins cover mainly streptococci and are ineffective against many gram-negative organisms, making the categorization of antipseudomonal penicillins as extended spectrum appropriate.