-mycin: Multiple Classes (Drug Ending Cheat Sheet)
-mycin is tricky, different drugs in different classes share it.
-mycin shows up in aminoglycosides (gentamicin, tobramycin) and macrolides (azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin) plus vancomycin (glycopeptide). The ending alone doesn't fix the class.
Aminoglycosides
Gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, neomycin, streptomycin. Nephrotoxic, ototoxic.
Macrolides
Azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin. QT prolongation.
Vancomycin
Glycopeptide. MRSA. Red man syndrome with rapid infusion.
Frequently asked
How do I know which -mycin?
Memorize the most-tested individually. Aminoglycosides are -micin (gentamicin); macrolides are -mycin (azithromycin); vancomycin is its own thing.
Quick check
Loading a question…
How ready are you right now?
10 real NCLEX questions, free, in your browser. See how close you are to ready and which subjects are costing you.
Try 10 questions free