Antibiotics Flashcards
What can’t give macrolides alongside?
Statins - can increase risk of statin induced myopathy
How does Metronidazole work?
Damages DNA by forming reactive intermediates to inhibit DNA synthesis
Examples of glycopeptides
Vancomycin, Teicoplanin
When treating staphylococcus - what do you need to consider in terms of resistance?
90% of staphylococcus produces B-lactamase
What are plasmids?
Extrachromosomal genetic elements that exist in the cytoplasm and can replicate independently. Not known how they develop but can contain genes for antibiotic resistance. Can transfer between bacteria.
Problems with targeting Class I biochemical reactions?
Similar to human cells and pathogens can use alternative energy sources.
How does Rifampicin work?
Inhibits RNA polymerase to prevent mRNA transcription.
Key elimination routes for drugs
Usually liver metabolism and renal excretion but can be just renal.Other route - lungs, breast milk, sweat, tears, faeces.
How do tetracyclines work?
Bind 30S subunit. Competitive inhibition of tRNA.
How should time-dependent drugs be prescribed?
Need to maintain minimum inhibitory concentration for as long as possible. Give multiple doses throughout the day.
What is membrane permeability?
How well a drug can cross membranes to reach the site of action.
What is a B-lactam ring
Part of structure of penicillin that patients can develop an allergy to. Can then develop further allergies to other antibiotics that have the same structure.
How to remember quinolones
Ends floxacin
Examples of quinolones
CiprofloxacinLevofloxacin
Blood brain barrier and drug permeability
Drugs normally cannot cross. In meningitis the blood-brain barrier swells so there are larger gaps between the cells. Allows drugs through
What are Gram positive bacteria?
Bacteria can be classified on the basis of their cell wall.Gram positive bacteria have a cell wall made of multiple peptidoglycan layers.
What does Tazocin contain?
Piperacillin and TazobactimAntibiotic + B-lactamase inhibitor
How to B-lactamase inhibitors work and why are they used?
Irreversibly binds to B-lactamases. Broadens spectrum of antibiotics that contain B-lactam rings.
What is empiric antibiotic choice?
Choose antibiotic based on available information rather than the actual organism present. Allows to start treating right away instead of waiting for microbiology.
What is a steady state of drugs
When [drug] in plasma remains constant. Same amount entering as leaving.
How does chloramphenicol work
Inhibits transpeptidation (transfer of growing peptide chain to the amino acid attached to tRNA_
How do sulphonamides target antimetabolite activity
Targets enzyme required for folate synthesis
What is selective toxicity and what does it rely on?
Chemotherapy should be toxic to pathogens but leave host unharmed. Relies on exploiting biochemical differences between host and pathogen.
3 general classes of biochemical reactions that can be targeted.What is class III?
Pathways converting small molecules into macromolecules.
4 mechanisms of action in antibiotics
- Disruption of cell wall* Inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis* Inhibition of protein synthesis* Antimetabolite activity
What are transposons?Why are they important?
Stretches of DNA that can be easily transferred from plasmid to chromosome as transfer can occur outside of mitosis. Can inset even if host is unable to replicate. Likely cause of widespread distribution of antibiotic resistance between unrelated bacteria.
How do bacteriostatic antibiotics work?
Stops further growth of bacteria but won’t kill bacteria already present.
What does co-amoxiclav contain?
Amoxycillin and clavulanic acidAntibiotic + B-lactamase inhibitor
Adverse affects of glycopeptides
Red man syndrome. Generalised erythema and poss hypotension/bronchospasmNephrotoxicity
How should concentration dependent drugs be prescribed
Higher concentrations of these drugs are most effective.. Give a high dose to reach a large peak which is allowed to drop before the next dose is given. Once a day dosage.
3 general classes of biochemical reactions that can be targeted.What is class I?
Reactions to produce ATP
What are the 3 key differences between bacteria and human cells?
Bacterial cell wall - no counterpart in eukaryotes.No nucleus in bacteria - have a single chromosome in the cytoplasm.No mitochondria in bacteria - generate energy by enzyme systems in plasma membrane.
What is an antibiotic?
A drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Most commonly prescribed drug in primary care.
How can antibiotics target formation of the peptidoglycan cell wall?
Peptidoglycan are formed inside the bacterial cell, transported outside by a lipid carrier and cross-linked to form a strong lattice with other amino acids. Target either release of peptidoglycan or cross-linking.
How do spontaneous mutations cause antibiotic resistance?
Spontaneous mutations - low rate for a given gene but as so many cells with short generation time, rate of mutation is reasonably high.