Antibiotics Flashcards
What is the broad spectrum penicillin?
Co-amoxiclav
What is the broad spectrum cephalosporin?
Cefuroxime
How should penicillin G and V be administered?
G - IV V - Oral
Are beta-lactams safe in pregnancy?
Yes
In which patients are aminoglycosides (eg. gentamicin) at risk of causing toxicity?
Elderly, paediatric and neonatal patients, and those with kidney failure
For the antibiotic to be effective, what to factors come into play?
The BREAK POINT (chosen concentration (mg/L) of an antibiotic which defines whether a species of bacteria is susceptible or resistant to the antibiotic) must exceed the MINIMUM INHIBITORY CONCENTRATION (the lowest concentration of a chemical that prevents visible growth of a bacterium)
In which cases might prophylactic antimicrobial therapy be considered?
- Surgery - Prevention of IE - Post exposure prophylaxis eg. N. meningitidis
When prescribing IV antibiotics, how often should they be reviewed?
Every 48 hours
What are the indications for gentamicin?
Severe gram negative infections and bacterial endocarditis
What antibiotics are used for serious staph. aureus infections?
Flucloxacillin
What antibiotics are used for less serious staph. aureus infections?
Cephalosporins, clindamycin, erythromycin, lincomycin
What antibiotics are used for MRSA infections?
VANCOMYCIN If nosocomial infection: Rifampicin and fusidic acid
Which antibiotic targets the cell membrane, and what is it used for?
Colistin - used in infections with multi-resistant bacteria
Which antibiotics target the cell wall?
Beta lactams - penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems
How do beta lactams work?
BACTERICIDAL - Inhibit cell wall formation by preventing cross linking of peptoglycan
How are beta lactams excreted?
Renally - alter dose in renal impairment
Name 4 penicillins
Amoxicillin Penicillin V Flucloxacillin Piperacillin
What is the best antibiotic for a staph aureus skin/soft tissue infection?
Flucloxacillin - only covers gram positives
What antibiotic causes a widespread rash in glandular fever?
Amoxicillin
What is co-amoxiclav used for?
Gram positive, negative and anaerobic cover - good soft tissue penetration
What is amoxicillin used for?
Chest and ear infections Sometimes meningitis as it can cross the BBB
What is tazocin used for?
Gram positive, negative and anaerobic cover - used in red flag sepsis, very unwell patients due to broad cover. Doesn’t get into the CNS!