Antibiotics

Question 1

Aminoglycoside drugs and counselling points

Answer 1

Amikamicin, tobramycin, gentamicin, streptomycin

side effects include ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, anaphylaxis (counsel on signs)

Question 2

Carbapenem drugs and counselling points

Answer 2

Ertapenem, Meropenem, Imipenem

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, injection site reactions, anaphylaxis (rare)

Question 3

Cephalosporin drugs and counselling points

Answer 3

Cefalexin, cefazolin, cefepime, ceftazidime, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone
Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, rash, headache, allergy, SJS & other immunologic reactions
Cefalexin, cefaclor, and cefuroxime are the only ones for oral use
Ceftriaxone and cefazolin may affect clotting process (increased bleeding risk)

Question 4

Glycopeptide drugs and counselling points

Answer 4

Vancomycin, teicoplanin
Injection site reactions, nephrotoxicity, immunologic reactions, ototoxicity, red man syndrome if given too quickly- caused by histamine release (fever, chills, facial and upper torso rash, hypotension, angioedema, itch) treated with antihistamines

Question 5

Lincosamide drugs and counselling points

Answer 5

Clindamycin, lincomycin

May cause diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdo pain, rash, itch, contact dermatitis (topical use), C-diff, anaphylaxis

Question 6

Macrolide drugs and counselling points

Answer 6

Roxithromycin, Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, Azithromycin
May cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdo pain and cramps, candidal infection, hypersensitivity
A and C better tolerated than E
E & R best taken on an empty stomach as absorption can be affected

Question 7

Penicillin drugs and counselling points

Answer 7

Amox, Ampi, Benpen, Diclox, Fluclox, Phenoxymethyl, Pip/taz, procaine benzyl
Diarrhoea, nausea, injection site reactions, vomiting, anaphylaxis, SJS

Question 8

Quinolone drugs and counselling points

Answer 8

Cipro, levo, moxi, norflox, oflox
Reserve-line due to increasing worldwide resistance
Rash, itch, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdo pain, dyspepsia, anaphylaxis, SJS
May cause dizziness or faintness, drinking alcohol can worsen these effects
Stop taking and tell doctor if you develop tendon soreness or inflammation and don’t exercise, or if you develop numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes

Question 9

Rifamycin drugs and counselling points

Answer 9

Rifabutin, Rifampicin, Rifaximin
GI symptoms, rash
Rifampicin and rifabutin turn bodily fluids orange due to increased hepatic enzymes- can stain contacts
Tell your doctor if you are experiencing loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools
Can make the pill less effective- use additional contraceptive method

Question 10

Tetracycline drugs and counselling points

Answer 10

Doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, tooth discolouration, photosensitivity
Take with milk or food to reduce stomach upset and remain upright- prevents sticking on the way to your stomach as can cause damage to the throat, do not take antacids, iron, calcium or zinc within two hours, avoid sun exposure and protect yourself from the sun

Question 11

Nitrofurantoin counselling points

Answer 11

Side effects include N&V, diarrhoea, allergic skin reaction, headache, rare SJS (but be aware of signs)
Take with food or milk to minimise nausea and to improve absorption
May cause drowsiness
May make urine a brownish colour

Question 12

Metronidazole counselling points

Answer 12

Take with food to minimise stomach upset
Liquid best absorbed if taken 1 hour before food
Avoid alcohol during treatment and 24 hours after to prevent nausea, vomiting, headache, palpitations
Stop taking if you develop numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

Question 13

Trimethoprim counselling points

Answer 13

May cause N&V, rash, itch, fever, sore mouth, SJS (be aware of signs)