Agents Inhibiting Protein Synthesis

Question 1

What are the agents that inhibit protein synthesis?

Answer 1

Tetracyclines

Macrolides

Aminoglycosides

Question 2

Tetracyclines

Answer 2

Tetracycline, doxycycline, oxytetracycline

–Similar spectrum, both oral only
–Broad-spectrum but specific use in penicillin allergy, usually for Gram pos
–Active in atypical pathogens in pneumonia
–Active against chlamydia & some protozoa
–Shouldn’t be given to children <12 years

Pseudomonous auerus shows intrinsic resistance

Question 3

Aminoglycosides

Answer 3

Gentamicin, Neomycin, tobramycin

• Profound activity against Gram negs
• Good activity in the blood/urine
• Potentially nephrotoxic/ototoxic
• Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) required
• Generally reserved for severe Gram neg sepsis

Question 4

Macrolides

Answer 4

Erythromycin (& clarithromycin)

• Well distributed including intracelleluar penetration
• Alternative to penicillin for mild Gram pos infections
• Also active against atypical respiratory pathogens

Question 5

Aminoglycoside that is especially affective against pseudomonas

Answer 5

Tobramycin

Treat pseudomonas (aeruginosa) especially well.

Like all aminoglycosides, tobramycin does not pass the gastro-intestinal tract. IV or nebulised only.