Anti-infective Agents Flashcards
What are the two different types of actions of anti-infective agents? Explain each.
Bactericidal: cause the death of the cells they affect
Bacteriostatic: not as aggressive - interfere with the ability of the cells to reproduce or divide
Name two therapeutic actions of anti-infective agents.
- inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis
- altering membrane permeability
- inhibiting protein synthesis
- inhibiting cell function
What is the goal of anti-infective agents in regards to the human immune response?
Reduction of the population of the invading organism to a point at which the human immune response can take care of the infection.
Explain antibiotic resistance.
- can be natural or acquired
- ability of a micro-organism to resist the effects of a particular antibiotic
When do super infections occur?
Wen opportunistic pathogens that were kept in check by the ‘normal flora’ bacteria have the opportunity to invade tissues, and usually an infection that has occurred during antimicrobial therapy.
Nosocomial infection is a ________ acquired infection.
Hospital
Explain hypersensitivity.
- can occur with many antimicrobial agents
- if a patient is over exposed, immediate or delayed reactions can occur
- in severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur
Name two commonly used anti-infectives.
- aminoglycosides
- carbapenems
- cephalosporins
- fluroquinolones
- penicillins
Explain the use for aminoglycosides and common known drugs.
Usually used for serious or life-threatening infections, and reserved for gram negative infections.
Common drugs:
- gentamicin (IM/IV)
- neomycin (oral, ointment, eye drops)
- tobramycin (IM/IV)
Name six adverse effects of aminoglycosides.
- GI effects
- hypersensitivity
- rash
- fever
- muscle weakness
- blood dyscrasias
- bone marrow suppression
- ototoxicity
- nephrotoxicity
- neurotoxicity
- rarely hepatotoxicity
Explain the use of cephalosporins.
Used for treatment of a variety of infections. Make sure you check allergies to this carefully.
Name 8 adverse effects of cephalosporins.
- diarrhoea
- dyspepsia
- altered taste
- abdominal pain
- vomiting
- rash
- urticaria
- prupritus
- dizziness
- headache
- tremor
- phlebitis
- thrush
- anaphylactic shock
- pain when given IM
Explain fluroquinolones and their common drugs.
Bactericidial for most gram negative organisms and some gram positive.
Common drugs:
- ciprofloxacin (ciproxin, c-flow)
- moxifloxacin (avelox)
- norfloxacin (noroxin)
Name five adverse effects of fluroquinolones.
- gastrointestinal disturbance
- CNS disturbance
- bad taste
- difficulty swallowing
- headache
- dizziness
- weakness
- abdominal pain
- photosensitivity
Name the three hypersensitivity reactions of penicillin, and four adverse effects.
Hypersensitivity:
- rash
- fever
- wheezing
Adverse effects:
- rash
- anaphylactic shock
- urticaria
- glossitis
- stomatitis
- furry tongue
- diarrhoea
- neurotoxicity (in high doses)
