Anti-Infective Agents Flashcards
What is infectious?
Pertaining to a disease caused by microorganisms.
Drugs used for the treatment of infectious disease are interchangeably termed: (4 terms)
- antibiotics,
- anti-infectives,
- antimicrobials, and
- chemotherapeutic agents
What are the three characteristics used to classify drugs used to treat infections?
- Spectrum of activity
- Antimicrobal activity
- Mechanism of action
Define Spectrum of Activity.
Refers to how broad or narrow the range of antimicrobial action is for a certain agent.
Define Antimicrobial Activity
Refers to the effects an anti-infective has on certain microorganisms.
Define Bactericidal.
Agent that kills bacteria.
Define Bacteriostatic.
The growth of microorganisms is suppressed, but the drug does not actually kill the cells.
Define Mechanism of Action.
Refers to the way(s) in which an anti-infective exerts its effects on the pathogens (destroy cell membrane or interfere with cell metabolism).
Define Antiseptics.
Chemical agents that kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms; commonly used for cleansing the skin.
Define Antibiotics.
Agents used to kill or limit the growth of microorganisms.
What are the three classifications of Anti-Infective Agents?
- Antiseptics
- Antibiotics
- Topical Antibiotics
What is culture and sensitivity (C&S) testing?
This diagnostic test designed to determine what antibiotic would effectively limit and/or kill a particular pathogen.
Define pathogen.
A microorganism capable of producing disease.
What can failing to continue drug therapy long enough or under-dosing lead to? (2 things)
- reinfection by the same organism
2. the emergence of mutant, often resistant strains
What are the three most frequently encountered side effects?
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Organ toxicity
- Super-infection
