Antibiotics

Question 1

Ceftriaxone: Drug class

Answer 1

3rd generation cephalosporin

Question 2

Ceftriaxone: Spectrum

Answer 2

Broad spectrum gram+, expanded spectrum against gram negatives (vs. 2nd gen cephalosporins)

Question 3

Cephalosporin mechanism

Answer 3

β-lactamases - disrupt the synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls

Question 4

Ceftriaxone: Indications

Answer 4

Bacterial meningitis (except listeria), gonorrhoea, bacterial septicaemia

Question 5

Cephalosporins: No use in

Answer 5

LAME: Listeria, Atypicals (Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma), MRSA, Enterococcus sp.

Question 6

Gonorrhoea - current treatment of choice

Answer 6

Ceftriaxone: 250mg IM (single dose)
AND either Azithromycin: 500mg PO (single dose) OR Doxycycline 100mg PO BD 7/7
Nb. azithromycin or doxycycline extends coverage to include atypicals - e.g. chlamydia, mycoplasma and ureaplasma due to common co-infection