I have enough information to give a clear answer.
No, Mezlocillin is NOT penicillinase-resistant.
Mezlocillin is an antipseudomonal (ureidopenicillin) — a class of extended-spectrum penicillins. It is specifically susceptible to penicillinase (β-lactamase) destruction.
The penicillin classes, in terms of penicillinase resistance, are:
| Class | Examples | Penicillinase Resistant? |
|---|
| Natural penicillins | Penicillin G, Penicillin V | No |
| Penicillinase-resistant penicillins | Methicillin, Nafcillin, Dicloxacillin, Oxacillin | Yes |
| Aminopenicillins | Ampicillin, Amoxicillin | No |
| Antipseudomonal penicillins | Piperacillin, Mezlocillin, Azlocillin, Ticarcillin | No |
Mezlocillin belongs to the ureidopenicillin subgroup of antipseudomonal penicillins. Its extended gram-negative spectrum (including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella, and anaerobes) comes from its acyl side chain modifications — not from β-lactamase stability. It is readily hydrolyzed by penicillinases and therefore must often be combined with a β-lactamase inhibitor (like tazobactam) to protect against β-lactamase-producing organisms.
The penicillinase-resistant penicillins are specifically the anti-staphylococcal penicillins (methicillin, nafcillin, dicloxacillin), which have a bulky side chain that sterically hinders β-lactamase binding.
— Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology; Dermatology 5e