Tetra-N-benzyloxycarbonylkanamycin A

Tetra-N-benzyloxycarbonylkanamycin A, also known as TBK, is a chemical compound that belongs to the aminoglycoside family of antibiotics. It is a modified form of kanamycin A, which has been synthetically altered to enhance its therapeutic properties. TBK is primarily used to treat infections caused by gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. It works by interfering with the bacterial ribosome, which is responsible for protein synthesis. This ultimately leads to the inhibition of bacterial growth and the elimination of the infection. In terms of chemical information, TBK has a molecular weight of 1241.4 g/mol and a chemical formula of C59H77N7O21. It is a white to off-white powder that is soluble in water and other polar solvents. TBK is stable under normal storage conditions and has a long shelf life. However, TBK is not without its side effects. It can cause kidney damage, hearing loss, and neuromuscular blockade, particularly in high doses or with prolonged use. Therefore, it should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional and with careful monitoring of the patient's kidney and auditory function.