Ai Generated Flashcards
What are the main uses of macrolides like Erythromycin?
Respiratory, skin and soft tissue infections; severe pneumonia; eradication of H.pylori
Macrolides serve as alternatives to penicillins.
Which macrolides are CYP inhibitors?
Erythromycin and Clarithromycin
These can affect the metabolism of other drugs.
What is the mechanism of action of macrolides?
Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S subunit of the bacterial ribosome
This action blocks translocation required for elongation of the polypeptide chain.
What are the common side effects of macrolides?
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, thrombophlebitis, allergy, cholestatic jaundice, QT interval prolongation
High doses can also lead to ototoxicity.
What should be monitored when prescribing macrolides?
Resolution of infection, C-reactive protein, white cell count
These markers help assess the effectiveness of treatment.
What are the main uses of penicillins like Benzylpenicillin?
Streptococcal infections, clostridial infections, meningococcal infections
Also used for skin and soft tissue infections.
What is the mechanism of action of penicillins?
Inhibit PBP responsible for cross-linking peptidoglycans in bacterial cell walls
This weakens the cell wall leading to bacterial lysis and death.
What are the side effects associated with penicillins?
Diarrhea, fever, thrush, skin rash, anaphylaxis, central nervous system toxicity
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction.
Which penicillin is resistant to penicillinase?
Flucloxacillin
Effective against penicillin-resistant Staphylococcal infections except MRSA.
What is the recommended way to take Amoxicillin?
Can be taken before or after food
It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics.
What are the main uses of cephalosporins?
2nd and 3rd line treatment for urinary and respiratory tract infections
IV cephalosporins are used for severe or complicated infections.
What is the mechanism of action of cephalosporins?
Inhibit PBP responsible for cross-linking peptidoglycans in bacterial cell walls
They have a broad spectrum of action and are more resistant to beta-lactamases.
What are common side effects of cephalosporins?
GI upset, antibiotic-associated colitis, hypersensitivity reactions, CNS toxicity
More common in 2nd and 3rd generation cephalosporins.
What are aminoglycosides primarily used for?
Severe infections caused by gram-negative aerobes, including pseudomonas aeruginosa
They are typically given via parenteral injection.
Which aminoglycoside is often used for cystic fibrosis?
Tobramycin
Administered via inhaler for pseudomonal infection.
What should be avoided in patients with a history of penicillin allergy?
Cephalosporins, especially if there was anaphylaxis
Cross-reactivity can occur between beta-lactam antibiotics.
What is a true penicillin allergy characterized by?
Immediate rash, anaphylaxis, hives
This requires avoidance of all beta-lactam antibiotics.
Fill in the blank: Erythromycin is primarily used for _______.
respiratory, skin, and soft tissue infections
True or False: Macrolides are bactericidal.
False
Macrolides are bacteriostatic, assisting the immune system.
Which drug class is used to treat severe sepsis?
Aminoglycosides
They are effective against gram-negative bacteria.
What is the side effect of cholestatic jaundice associated with?
Amoxicillin, Flucloxacillin
Risk increases with duration of treatment.
What is the primary use of GENTAMICIN?
Active against pseudomonas aeruginosa
Gentamicin is commonly used for infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
What is the mechanism of action of aminoglycosides?
Bind irreversibly to bacterial ribosomes 30S subunit and inhibit protein synthesis. They are bactericidal.
What is a key side effect of aminoglycosides?
Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity
Nephrotoxicity can be reversible, while ototoxicity may lead to irreversible hearing loss.
