Antimicrobials Flashcards
Combination therapy
- Sequential blockade (eg, trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole)
- Blockade of drug-inactivating enzymes (eg, clavulanic acid + amoxicillin)
- Enhanced drug uptake (eg, increased permeability to aminoglycosides after
Resistance
- If maximal level of antibiotic tolerated by host does not halt growth
- Primary resistance: Ex. Pseudomonas resistant to many antibiotics due to not having porins
- Acquired drug resistance
- Spontaneous mutations of DNA
- DNA transfer of drug resistance
- Altered expression of proteins in drug-resistant organisms
Antimicrobial Chemoprophylaxis
- Should always be directed toward a specific pathogen
- No resistance should develop
- Use should be of limited duration
- Conventional therapeutic doses should be employed
- Should only be used in situations of documented drug efficacy
Cell wall synthesis inhibitors
- Beta-lactam antibiotics
- penicillins
- cephalosporins
- carbapenems
- monobactams
- Vancomycin
- Daptomycin
- Bacitracin
- Fosfomycin
Penicillins
- Cell wall synthesis inhibitors
- Widely effective: except Staph aureus which have beta-lactamase
- Little toxicity
- Increasing levels of resistance
- Structure: All include Beta-lactam ring
MOA:
- Bactericidal
- Inhibit last step in peptidogly can synthesis through binding to PBPs
- Inactive against organisms without peptidoglycan cell wall eg, mycoplasma, protozoa, fungi, viruses
- PBPs
- Bacterial enzymes inactivated by penicillins
- Include transpeptidases
- Number varies with type of organism
- Resistance can develop with PBP mutations
- Autolysin production
- Produced by bacteria and mediate cell lysis
- Penicillins activate autolysins to initiate cell death
- Bacteria eventually lyse due to activity of autolysins and inhibition of cell-wall assembly
- Gram-positive bacteria have cell wall easily crossed by penicillin’s
- Ability to reach PBPs determined by: size, charge, hydrophobicity

Penicillin G - Clinical application (DOC for)
- Syphilis (benzathine penicillin G)
- Strep infections (especially in prevention of rheumatic fever)
- Susceptible pneumococci
Repository penicillins
- Penicillin G Procaine, Penicillin G Benzathine
- Developed to prolong duration of penicillin G
- Penicillin G procaine
- IM not IV (risk of procaine toxicity)
- t1/2 = 12-24h
- Seldom used (increased resistance)
- Penicillin G **benazthine **
- DOC for rheumatic fever prophylaxis & syph (but make sure no allergies)
- IM
- t1/2 = 3-4 weeks
Penicillin V
- Natural penicillins
- Similar antibacterial spectrum to penicillin G (less active against Gram –ve bacteria)
- More acid stable than G (can give orally)
- DOC: strep throat
*
Methicillin, Nafcillin, Oxacillin, Dicloxacillin
- Antistaphylococcal penicillins
- Beta-lactamase resistant
- Inactive against MRSA
- Methicillin is never DOC (never used clinically)
- Restricted to treatment of beta-lactamase-producing staphylococci
- Recommended as first-line treatment for staphylococci endocarditis in patients without artificial heart valves
Ampicillin, Amoxicillin
- Extended-spectrum penicillins
- Similar to penicillin G (plus Gram-negative activity)
- Susceptible to beta-lactamases
- Activity enhanced with beta-lactamase inhibitor
- Amoxicillin has higher oral bioavailability than other penicillins (including ampicillin) ie do not require empty stomach
- Amoxicillin is a common antibiotic prescribed for **children and in pregnancy **
- Used for treatment of a number of infections: acute otitis media, streptococcal pharyngitis, pneumonia, skin infections, UTIs etc.
- **Widely used to treat upper respiratory infections (H.influenzae & S.pneumoniae) **
- **Amoxicillin = standard regimen for endocarditis prophylaxis during dental or respiratory tract procedures **
- **Ampicillin is used in combination with aminoglycoside to treat enterococci and Listerial infections **
Carbenicillin, Ticarcillin, Piperacillin
- Antipseudomonal penicilins
- Effective against many Gram-negative and Gram- positive bacilli
- Often combined with beta-lactamase inhibitor
- Piperacillin + Cipro Active against P.aeruginosa: Acute bronchitis in a Pt w acute bronchitis and COPD
- Treatment of moderate-severe infections of susceptible organisms (eg, uncomplicated & complicated skin, gynecologic and intra-abdominal infections, febrile neutropenia)
Effective empiric treatment for infective endocarditis
- penicillin + aminoglycoside
- synergistic
Pencillins Resistance
One of 4 general mechanisms (primary or acquired):
- Inactivation by beta-lactamase
- Modification of target PBPs
- Impaired penetration of drug to target PBPs
- Increased efflux
MRSA (ORSA) = altered target PBPs (low affinity for
Penicillins: PK
Half-life: ~30-60 min (except repository penicillins)
Oral absorption:
- Absorption impaired by food (except amoxicillin -> high oral bioavailability)
- Nafcillin = erratic (not suitable for oral admin.)
Distribution
- All achieve therapeutic levels in pleural, pericardial, peritoneal, synovial fluids & urine
- Nafcillin, ampicillin & piperacillin achieve high levels in bile,
- Levels in prostate & eye = insufficient
- CSF penetration = poor (except in meningitis)
Excretion
- Most excreted primarily via kidney (beware in kidney failure)
- Nafcillin = exception as primarily excreted in bile
- Oxacillin & dicloxacillin = renal & biliary excretion
Penicillins: Adverse
- Hypersensitivity
- Penicilloic acid = major antigenic determinant
- ~ 5 % patients claim to have some reaction (maculopapular rash -> anaphylaxis)
- Cross-allergic reactions between beta-lactam antibiotics can occur
- GI disturbances (eg, diarrhea)
- Pseudomembranous colitis (ampicillin)
- Maculopapular rash (ampicillin, amoxicillin)
- Interstitial nephritis (particularly methicillin)
- Neurotoxicity (epileptic patients at risk)
- Hematologic toxicities (ticarcillin)
- Neutropenia (nafcillin)
- Hepatitis (oxacillin)
- Secondary infections (eg, vaginal candidiasis)
Clavulanic acid, Sulbactam, Tazobactam
- Beta-lactamase inhibitor
- Contain beta-lactam ring but do not have sig. antibacterial activity
- Bind to and inactivate most beta-lactamases
- Available only in fixed combinations with specific penicillins
- Indication: mild-mod diverticulitis (enteric Gram -ve bacteria + enterococci anearobes)
Cephalosporins
- Beta-lactam antibiotics
- Bactericidal
- Same MOA as penicillin’s
- Affected by similar resistance mechanisms
- Classified into generations
Cephalosporins: antibacterial spectrum
- In general, Gram positive activity diminishes while Gram- negative activity increases moving from the first-to third generations
- 4th generation demonstrate similar activity to first- generation agents against Gram-positive cocci and are also active against most Gram-negative bacilli.
- 5th generation have a similar spectrum to the 3rd generation. They are unique in that they have activity against MRSA.
- All 1st-4th generation cephalosporins are considered inactive against MRSA,
- All cephalosporins are considered inactive against enterococci, Listeria, Legionella, Chlamydia, mycoplasma, and acinetobacter species.
Cefazolin, Cephalexin
- 1st gen Cephalosporins
- Penicillin G substitutes
- Resistant to staphylococcal penicillinase
- Activity against Gram-positive cocci & P.mirabilis, E.coli, & K.pneumoniae
Indications
- Rarely DOC for any infections
- Cefazolin = DOC for surgical prophylaxis
Cefaclor, Cefoxitin, Cefotetan, Cefamandole
- 2nd gen cephalosprins
- Extended Gram-negative coverage
- Greater activity against H.influenzae, Enterobacter aerogenes and some Neisseria species
- Weaker activity against Gram-positive organisms
Indications
- Primarily used to treat sinusitis, otitis & lower respiratory tract infections
- Cefotetan & cefoxitin = prophylaxis & therapy of abdominal and pelvic cavity infections
Ceftriaxone, Cefoperazone, Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime, Cefixime
- 3rd gen cephalosporin; most common cephalosporin
- Enhanced activity against Gram-negative cocci
- Highly active against enterobacteriacae, Neisseria, & H.influenzae
- Less active against most Gram-positive organisms
- Cefotaxime & ceftriaxone = usually active against pneumococci
Indications
- DOC for gonorrhea (parenteral)
- DOC for meningitis due to ampicillin-resistant H.influenzae
- Prophylaxis of meningitis in exposed individuals
- Treatment of Lyme disease (CNS or joint infection)
- Activity against P.aeruginosa
Cefipime
- 4th gen cephalosporins
- Parenteral admin. Only
- Wide antibacterial spectrum
- Gram +ve activity of 1st generation + Gram -ve activity of 3rd generation
- eg, enterobacter, Haemophilis, Neisseria, E.coli, pneumococci, P.mirabilis & P.aeruginosa
Indications
- Treatment of infections with susceptible organisms
- eg, UTI’s, complicated intra-abdominal infections, febrile neutropenia
Ceftaroline
- 5th gen
- Parenteral admin. only
- Activity against MRSA !
- Similar spectrum of activity to 3rd generation
Indications
- Skin and soft tissue infection due to MRSA, particularly if gram-negative pathogens are coinfecting
- **Community-acquired pneumonia (when first-line agents are unsuccessful) **
Cephalosporins - PK
- Most administered parenterally (exceptions = cephalexin, cefaclor, cefixime)
- Only 3rd generation reach adequate levels in CSF
- Mainly eliminated via kidneys (exceptions = ceftriaxone & cefoperazone excreted in bile)
Cephalosporins - Adverse
- Allergic reactions (cross-sensitivity with penicillins can occur)
- However, minor penicillin allergic patients often treated successfully with a cephalosporin
- Pain at infection site (IM), thrombophlebitis (IV)
- Superinfections (eg, C.difficile)
-
Cefamandole, cefoperazone & cefotetan contain methyl-thiotetrazole group, all can cause:
- hypoprothrombinemia (Vit. K1 admin can prevent) &
- disulfiram-like reactions (avoid alcohol)
Imipenem, Meropenem
- Carbapenem
- Synthetic Beta-lactam antibiotics
- Resist hydrolysis by most beta-lactamases
- Very broad spectrum of activity
- Active against penicillinase-producing Gram-positive & negative organisms; aerobes & anaerobes; P.aeruginosa
- Not active against carbapenemase producing organisms eg, carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae, carbapenem-resistant klebsiella
- Not active against MRSA
Indications: use typically restricted to avoid resistance
- DOC for:
- enterobacter infections
- extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Gram -ve

Carbapenems - PK
- IV
- Imipenem forms potentially nephrotoxic metabolite when activated by renal dehydropeptidase I. Combining with enzyme inhibitor Cilastatin prevents metabolism thus prevents toxicity & increases availability.
- Meropenem is not metabolized by same enzyme (no need for Cilastatin)
Carbapenems - Adverse
- GI distress (but all antibiotics can cause diarrhea)
- High levels of imipenem can provoke seizures
- Allergic reactions (partial cross-reactivity with penicillin’s)
Aztreonam
- Monobactams
- Aerobic Gram-negative rods ONLY (including pseudomonas)
- No activity against Gram-positive bacteria or anaerobes
- Resistant to action of beta-lactamases
Indications
UTI’s, lower respiratory tract infections, septicemia, skin/structure infections, intraabdominal infections, gynecological infections caused by susceptible Gram- negative bacteria

Monobactam - PK
- Mainly IV or IM
- Can be given by inhalation in CF patients
- Penetrates CSF when inflamed
- Excreted primarily via urine
Monobactam - Adverse
- Relatively nontoxic
- Little cross-hypersensitivity with other beta-lactam antibiotics
- Occasional skin rashes / elevation of serum aminotransferases
- GI upset, vertigo, headache
- Phlebitis or thrombophlebitis reported with IV use
Vancomycin
- Bacterial glycoprotein
- Bactericidal
- Active against Gram-positive bacteria only
- Virtually all Gram-negative organisms are intrinsically resistant
- Effective against multi-drug resistant organisms (eg, MRSA, enterococci, PRSP)
MOA
- Binds to the D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of nascent peptidoglycan pentapeptide
- Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis & peptidoglycan polymerization
Resistance
- Plasmid-mediated changes in drug permeability
- Modification of the D-Ala-D-Ala binding site (D-Ala replaced by D-lactate)
Indications: reserved for drug resistant bacteria
- Treatment of serious infections caused by Beta-lactam resistant Gram +ve organisms eg, MRSA
- Treatment of Gram +ve infections in patients severely allergic to Beta-lactams
- In combination with an aminoglycoside for empirical treatment of infective endocarditis; 1st line: vancomycin + gentamycin
- In combination with an aminoglycoside for treatment of enterococcal endocarditis or PRSP
- Given orally for the treatment of staphylococcal enterocolitis or antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis (C.difficile)
Vancomycin - PK
- Poor oral absorption
- Requires slow IV infusion (60-90 min)
- Penetrates CSF when inflamed
- 90-100% excreted via kidneys
Vancomycin - Adverse
- Mostly minor eg, fever, chills, phlebitis at infusion site
- ‘Red man’ or ‘red neck’ syndrome (infusion-related flushing over face and upper torso)
- Ototoxicity (drug accumulation)
- Nephrotoxicity (drug accumulation)
Daptomycin
- Bactericidal
- Effective against multiple drugresistance organisms
- Inactive against Gram-negative bacteria
- Not effective in treatment of pneumonia
MOA
- Novel mechanism of action -> useful against multi-drug resistant bacteria
- Binds to cell membrane via calcium-dependent insertion of lipid tail
- Results in depolarization of cell membrane with K+ efflux -> cell death
Indications
- Recommended for treatment of severe infections caused by MRSA or VRE
- Treatment of complicated skin/structure infections caused by susceptible S.aureus
Daptomycin - PK
- IV only
- Can accumulate in renal insufficiency
Daptomycin - Adverse
- Constipation, nausea, headache, insomnia
- Elevated creatine phosphokinases (recommended to discontinue coadmin. of statins)
Bacitracin
- Unique mechanisms -> no cross resistance
- Interferes in late stage cell wall synthesis
- Effective against Gram-positive organisms
- Marked nephrotoxicity -> mainly topical use
Fosfomycin
- Inhibits cytoplasmic enzyme enolpyruvate transferase in early stage of cell wall synthesis
- Active against Gram-positive and negative organisms
- Oral
- Used for treatment of uncomplicated lower UTI’s
Protein synthesis inhibitors
- Tetracyclines
- Glycylcyclines
- Aminoglycosides
- Macrolides
- Chloramphenicol
- Clindamycin
- Streptogramins
- Linezolid
- Mupirocin
Protein synthesis inhibitors
- Bind to and interfere with ribosomes
- Bacterial ribosome (70S) differs from mammalian (80S) but closely resembles mammalian mitochondrial ribosome
- Mostly bacteriostatic
Tetracyclines
- Doxycycline, Minocycline, Tetracycline
- Broad-spectrum: aerobe, anaerobe, parasites, etc…
- Bacteriostatic
- Activity against many aerobic and anaerobic Gram- positive & Gram-negative organisms
MOA
- Entry via passive diffusion & energy-dependent transport unique to bacterial inner cytoplasmic membrane
- Susceptible cells concentrate drug intracellularly
- Bind reversibly to 30S subunit of ribosome, preventing binding of aminoacyl tRNA
Resistance
- Widespread resistance (usually plasmid mediated)
- 3 main mechanisms:
- Impaired influx or increased efflux by active protein pump
- Production of proteins that interfere with binding to ribosome
- Enzymatic inactivation
Indications
- Most common use = severe acne & rosacea
- Used in empiric therapy of community-acquired pneumonia (outpatients)
- Can be used for infections of respiratory tract, sinuses, middle ear, urinary tract, & intestines
- Syphilis (patients allergic to penicillin)
- DOC
- Chlamydia
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Lyme disease
- Cholera
- Anthrax prophylaxis
- Rickettsia (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, typhus)
- Used in combination for
- H. pylori eradication
- Malaria prophylaxis and treatment
- Treatment of plague, tularemia, brucellosis
Tetracyclines - PK
- Variable oral absorption (decreased by divalent & trivalent cations)
- Doxycycline (lipid soluble) = preferred for parenteral admin. and good choice for STD’s and prostatitis
- Minocycline = reaches high concentrations in all secretions (useful for eradication of meningococcal carrier state)
- Concentrate in liver, kidney, spleen & skin
- Excreted primarily in urine except doxycycline (primarily via bile)
- TERATOGENIC – all cross placenta & are excreted into breast milk (FDA category D)
Tetracylcine - Adverse
- Gastric effects / superinfections (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Discoloration & hypoplasia of teeth, stunting of growth (generally avoided in pregnancy & not given in children under 8y)
- Fatal hepatotoxicity (in pregnancy, with high doses, patients with hepatic insufficiency)
- Exacerbation of existing renal dysfunction
- Photosensitization
- Dizziness, vertigo (esp. doxycycline & minocycline)
Tigecycline
- Glycycyclines
- Structurally similar to tetracyclines
- Antibacterial spectrum
- Broad-spectrum against multidrug-resistant Gram- positive, some Gram-negative & anaerobic organisms
Resistance
- Little resistance
- Not subject to same resistant mechanisms as tetracyclines (exceptions = efflux pumps of Proteus & Pseudomonas species)
Indications
- Treatment of complicated skin, soft tissue and intra- abdominal infections
- Increased risk of mortality has been observed with tigecycline compared with other antibiotics when used to treat serious infections
- FDA recommends considering the use of alternative antimicrobials when treating patients with serious infections
Glycylcyclines - PK/Adverse
- IV only
- Excellent tissue & intracellular penetration
- Primarily biliary/fecal elimination
Adverse effects
- Well tolerated
- AE similar to tetracyclines
Contraindications: Pregnancy & children <8y
Amikacin, Gentamicin, Tobramycin, Streptomycin, Neomycin
- Aminoglycosides
- Bactericidal
- Associated with serious toxicities
- Largely replaced by safer antibiotics; reserved for serious infections and only used for short period of time
MOA
- Passively diffuse across membranes of Gram-negative organisms
- Actively transported (O2-dependent) across cytoplasmic membrane
- Bind to 30S ribosomal subunit prior to ribosome formation leading to:
- misreading of mRNA, &
- inhibition of translocation
Resistance: 3 mechanisms
- Plasmid-associated synthesis of enzymes that modify and inactivate drug
- Decreased accumulation of drug
- Receptor protein on 30S ribosomal subunit may be deleted or altered due to mutation
Conc.- dependent vs. time-dependent killing
- Concentration-dependent (aminoglycosides)
- Time-dependent (penicillins, cephalosporins)
Aminoglycosides - Antibacterial Spectrum
- Most active against aerobic Gram-negative bacteria
- Anaerobes lack O2-dependent transport
Indications
- Used mostly in combination
- Empiric therapy of serious infections eg, septicemia, nocosomial respiratory tract infections, complicated UTI’s, endocarditis etc
- Once organism is identified aminoglycosides are normally discontinued in favor of less toxic drugs
- DOC for
- Empiric therapy of infective endocarditis in combination with either a penicillin or (more commonly) vancomycin
- Streptomycin is the drug of choice for Plague (Y.Pestis)
Oral neomycin
- Used as adjunct in treatment for hepatic encephalopathy
- Alternative treatment options for hepatic encephalopathy:
- Lactulose
- Oral vancomycin
- Oral metronidazole
- Rifaximin
Lactulose
Nonabsorbable disaccharide
MOA
- Degraded by intestinal bacteria
Aminoglycosides - PK
- Parenteral admin. only (except neomycin - topical)
- Once-daily admin.
- Well distributed (excluding CSF, bronchial secretions)
- High levels in renal cortex & inner ear
- 99% excreted in urine (reduce dose in renal insufficiency)
Aminoglycosides - Adverse
Both time- and concentration-dependent
- Ototoxicity
- Nephrotoxicity
- Neuromuscular blockade (myasthenia gravis = contraindicated)
- Pregnancy (contraindicated unless benefits outweigh risks – FDA Category D)
Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, Azithromycin, Telithromycin
- Macrolides
- Mainly used to treat Gram-positive infections
- Bacteriostatic (bactericidal at high conc.)
MOA
- Reversibly bind to 50S subunit inhibiting translocation; bacteriostatic
- Binding site is identical or close to that for clindamycin & chloramphenicol
Resistance: 3 mechanisms
- Reduced membrane permeability or active efflux
- Production of esterase that hydrolyze drugs (by enterobacteriaceae)
- Modification of ribosomal binding site (by chromosomal mutation or by a methylase)
- Complete cross-resistance between erythromycin, azithromycin, & clarithromycin
- Partial cross-resistance with clindamycin & streptogramins
Antibacterial spectrum
- Most active against Gram-positive bacteria (some activity against Gram-negatives)
- Spectrum is slightly wider than that of penicillins
- Azithromycin, clarithromycin & telithromycin have broader spectrum than erythromycin
Indications
- Used in empiric therapy of community-acquired pneumonia (outpatient & in combination with beta-lactam for inpatients)
- DOC for Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Treatment of upper respiratory tract & soft-tissue infections (eg, Staph, H.influenzae, S.pneumoniae, enterococci)
- Erythromycin = DOC for whooping cough (B.pertussis)
- **Common substitute for patients with penicillin allergy **
Macrolides - PK
- Clarithromycin, azithromycin, telithromycin = improved oral absorption, longer t1/2, increased bioavailability compared to erythromycin
- Azithromycin & telithromycin = greater tissue penetration compared to other macrolides
- Erythromycin, clarithromycin & telithromycin = CYP P450 inhibition (NOT azithromycin)
- Ex. HIV Pt on multiple meds and fighting pneumonia -> Azithromycin indicated
Macrolides - Adverse & contraindications
Adverse
- GI irritation
- Hepatic abnormalities (erythromycin & azithromycin)
- QT prolongation
- Severe reactions are rare (anaphylaxis, colitis)
Contraindications
- Statins (due to macrolides inhibiting CYP P450)
- Telithromycin – fatal hepatotoxicity, exacerbations of myasthenia gravis, & visual disturbances
Chloramphenicol
- Potent inhibitor of protein synthesis
- Broad-spectrum (aerobic & anaerobic Gram-positive & - negative organisms)
- Bacteriostatic (usually)
- Toxicity limits use to life-threatening infections with no alternatives
MOA
- Enters cells via active transport process
- Binds reversibly to 50S ribosomal subunit (site adjacent to site of action of macrolides & clindamycin)
- Can inhibit protein synthesis in mitochondrial ribosomes -> bone marrow toxicity
- Very broad spectrum
- Activity against Gram-positive and negative bacteria, including Rickettisae & anaerobes
- N.meningitidis, H.influenzae, Salmonella & bacteroides = highly susceptible
- Never given systemically for minor infections (due to adverse effects)
Resistance
- Presence of factor that codes for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (inactivates drug)
- Changes in membrane permeability
Clinical applications
- Serious infections resistant to less toxic drugs
- When chloramphenicols penetrability to site of infection is clinically superior to other drugs
- Active against many VRE
- Topical treatment of eye infections (mainly outside US)
PK
- Oral, IV or topical
- Wide distribution (readily enters CSF)
- Inhibits hepatic oxidases (3A4 & 2C9)
Adverse
- GI distress
- Bone marrow depression
- dose-related reversible depression
- severe irreversible aplastic anemia
- Gray baby syndrome (cyanosis), due to drug accumulation
Clindamycin
- MOA = same as macrolides (binds to 50S subunit)
- Mainly bacteriostatic
- Primarily used against Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria (including bacteroides)
- not many drugs effective against anaerobes (only clindamycin and metronidzaole)
**Resistance **
- mutation of ribosomal receptor site
- modification of the receptor
- enzymatic inactivation of drug
- Most Gram-negative aerobes & enterococci are intrinsically resistant
- Cross-resistant with macrolides
Clinical applications
- Anaerobic infections (eg, bacteroides infections, abscesses, abdominal infections)
- Skin and soft tissue infections (streptococci and staphylococci, and some MRSA)
- In combination with primaquine as an alternative in PCP
- In combination with pyrimethamine as an alternative treatment for toxoplasmosis of brain
- Prophylaxis of endocarditis in valvular patients allergic to penicillin
PK
- Oral or IV
- Good penetration (including abscesses and bones)
Clindamycin - Adverse
- Potentially fatal pseudomembranous colitis (superinfection of C.difficile)
- GI irritation (~ 20% people experience diarrhea)
- Skin rashes (~10 %)
- Neutropenia & impaired liver function
Quinupristin, Dalfopristin
- Streptogramins
- Given as a combination (act synergistically to have bactericidal action)
- Long postantibiotic effect
MOA
- Bind to separate sites on 50S bacterial ribosome
- Resistance is uncommon
- Gram-positive cocci
- Multi-drug resistant bacteria (streptococci, PRSP, MRSA, E.faecium)
Clinical applications: Restricted to treatment of infections caused by drug- resistant Staphylococci or VRE
PK
- IV only
- Penetrates macrophages & polymorphonucleocytes
- Inhibitors of CYP 3A4
Streptogramins - Adverse
- Infusion related (venous irritation, arthralgia & myalgia)
- GI effects
- CNS effects (headache, pain)
Linezolid
- Bacteriostatic (cidal against streptococci & Clostridium perfringens)
- recommended in the treatment of vancomycin-resistant strains of MRSA
MOA
- Inhibits formation of 70S initiation complex
- Binds to unique site on 23S ribosomal RNA of 50S subunit
- Most Gram-positive organisms (staphylococci, streptococci, enterococci, Corynebacterium, Listeria monocytogenes)
- Moderate activity against mycobacterium tuberculosis
Resistance
- Decreased binding to target site
- No cross-resistance with other drug classes
**Clinical applications: **Treatment of multi-drug resistant infections
PK
- Oral (100% bioavailable) & IV
- Widely distributed (including CSF)
- Weak reversible inhibitor of MAO
Linezolid - Adverse
Well tolerated for short admin. (GI, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, rash)
Long-term admin. can cause:
- Reversible myelosuppression
- Optic & peripheral neuropathy, & lactic acidosis
Contraindications: Reversible, nonselective inhibitor of MAO -> potential interaction w NE and 5HT drugs
Fidaxomicin
- Narrow spectrum macrocyclic antibiotic
- Activity against Gram-positive aerobes and anaerobes especially Clostridia (C. difficile)
- No activity against Gram-negative bacteria
**MOA: ** Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to RNA polymerase
Clinical applications
- Treatment of C.difficile colitis (in adults)
- Metro, vanco, and Fida all equally effective
- Fidaxomicin is DOC for C. difficile in UK
PK: When administered orally, systemic absorption is negligible but fecal concentrations are high
Mupirocin
- Antibiotic belonging to monoxycarbolic acid class
- Activity against most Gram-positive cocci, including MRSA and most streptococci (but not enterococci)
- Only topical/intranasal agent with activity against MRSA
**MOA: **Binds to bacterial isoleucyl transfer-RNA synthetase resulting in the inhibition of protein synthesis
Clinical applications
- Intranasal: Eradication of nasal colonization with MRSA in adult patients and healthcare workers
- Topically: Treatment of impetigo or secondary infected traumatic skin lesions due to S.aureus or S.pyogenes
Mupirocin - Adverse
- Resistance develops if used for long periods of time
- Mainly local and dermatologic effects (eg, burning, edema, tenderness, dry skin, pruritus)
Drugs that affect nuclei acid synthesis
- Fluoroquinolones
- Sulfonamides
- Trimethoprim
Flouroquinolones examples
- First generation: Nalidixic Acid (quinolone)
- Second generation: Ciprofloxacin
- Third generation: Levofloxacin
- Fourth generation: Gemifloxacin, Moxifloxacin
Lower generations have excellent Gram-negative activity
Higher generations have improved activity against Gram- positives

Fluoroquinolones MOA, resistance, PK
MOA
- Broad spectrum, bactericidal drugs
- Enter bacterium via porins
- Inhibit bacterial DNA replication via interference with topoisomerase II (DNA gyrase) & IV
Resistance
- Emerged rapidly in 2nd generation (esp. C.jejuni, gonococci, Gram-positive cocci, P.aeruginosa & serratia).
- Due to chromosomal mutations that:
- encode subunits of DNA gyrase (eg, gonococci resistance) and topo IV
- regulate expression of efflux pumps (eg, S.aureus, S.pneumonia, M.tuberculosis)
- Cross-resistance between drugs occurs
PK
- Good oral bioavailability
- Well distributed into all tissues and fluids (including bones)
- Iron, zinc, calcium (divalent cations) interfere with absorption
- Dosage adjustments required in renal dysfunction (except moxifloxacin)
Nalidixic acid Clinical applications
Uncomplicated UTI’s
Ciprofloxacin clinical applications
- Travelers diarrhea (E.coli)
- P.aeruginosa (CF patients)
- Prophylaxis against meningitis (alternative to ceftriaxone & rifampin)
Levofloxacin
- Prostatitis (E.coli)
- STD’s (not syphilis)
- Skin infections
- Acute sinusitis, bronchitis, TB Community acquired pneumonia
Moxifloxacin, Gemifloxacin
Community acquired pneumonia
Respiratory fluoroquinolones
Levofloxacin, moxifloxacin & gemifloxacin (excellent activity against S.pneumoniae, H.influenzae & M.catarrhalis)
Used in treatment of pneumonia when:
- First-line agents have failed
- In the presence of comorbidities
- Patient is an inpatient
Fluoroquinolones - Adverse
- GI distress
- CNS, rash , photosensitivity
- Connective tissue problems (avoid in pregnancy, nursing mother, under 18’s) – Black Box Warning!
- QT prolongation/Torsade (moxifloxaci n, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin) -> use Cotrimoxazole instead
- High risk of causing superinfections (C.difficile, C albicans, streptococci
Interactions
- Theophylline, NSAIDs & corticosteroids = enhance toxicity of fluoroquinolones
- 3rd & 4th generation = raise serum levels of warfarin, caffeine & cyclosporine
Contraindications
- Pregnancy & nursing mothers
- Children < 18y (unless benefits outweigh risks)
Sulfonamides

- Sulfamethoxazole, Sulfadiazine, Sulfasalazine
- Structural analogs of p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
- Bacteriostatic against Gram-positive & Gram-negative organisms
MOA
- Inhibit bacterial folic acid synthesis
- Synthetic analogs of PABA (p-amino-benzoic acid)
- Competitive inhibitors (& substrate) of dihydropteroate synthase
Resistance
- Altered dihydropteroate synthase
- Decreased cellular permeability
- Enhanced PABA production
- Decreased intracellular drug accumulation
Clinical applications
- Topical agents (ocular, burn infections)
- Oral agents (simple UTI’s)
- Sulfasalazine (oral) = ulcerative colitis, enteritis, IBD
PK
- Oral or topical
- Can accumulate in renal failure
- Acetylated in liver. Can precipitate at neutral or acidic pH -> kidney damage

Sulfonamides - Adverse
- GI distress, fever, rashes (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), photosensitivity are common
- Crystalluria (nephrotoxicity)
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Hematopoietic disturbances (esp. patients with G6PD deficiency)
- Kernicterus (in newborns and infants <2 months); sulfonamides displace bilirubin -> kernicterus
**Drug interactions: **Warfarin, phenytoin and methotrexate can lead to increased plasma levels
**Contraindications: **Newborns & infants < 2 months (kernicterus) – drugs compete with bilirubin for binding sites on albumin
Trimethoprim

- Structurally similar to folic acid
- Bacteriostatic against Gram-positive & Gram-negative organisms
MOA
- Potent inhibitor of bacterial dihydrofolate reductase
- Inhibits purine, pyrimidine & amino acid synthesis
Clinical applications
- UTI’s
- Bacterial prostatitis
- Bacterial vaginitis
PK
- Mostly (80-90%) excreted unchanged through kidney
- Reaches high concentrations in prostatic & vaginal fluids
Trimethroprim - Adverse
- Antifolate effects (contraindicated in pregnancy)
- Skin rash, pruritus
Cotrimoxazole
- Combination of trimethoprim & sulfamethoxazole
- Bactericidal
**MOA: **
- Synergistic: inhibition of sequential steps in tetrahydrofolic acid synthesis
Clinical applications
- Uncomplicated UTI’s (drug of choice)
- PCP (drug of choice)
- Nocardiosis (drug of choice)
- Toxoplasmosis (alternative drug)
- Respiratory, ear, sinus infections (H.influenzae, M.catarrhalis)
PK
- Oral admin. generally (can be given IV)
- Well distributed (including CSF)
Cotrimoxazole - Adverse
- Dermatologic (common)
- GI
- Hematologic (hemolytic anemia)
- AIDS patients = higher incidence
- Contraindicated in pregnancy (esp. 1st trimester)
Metronidazole

- Antimicrobial, amebicide & antiprotozoal
- Activity against anaerobic bacteria (including bacteroides & Clostridium)
- Bactericidal
Clinical applications
- Typically indicated for diseases below diaphragm except brain abscess
- C.difficile infections (drug of choice)
- Anaerobic or mixed intra-abdominal infections
- Vaginitis (trichomonas & bacterial vaginosis, G.vaginalis)
- Brain abscesses
- H.pylori eradication (in combination)
PK
- Oral, IV, rectal or topical
- Wide distribution (including CSF)
- Elimination = hepatic metabolism
Metronidazole - Adverse
- GI irritation, stomatitis, peripheral neuropathy (prolonged use)
- Headache, dark coloration of urine
- Leukopenia, dizziness, ataxia (rarer)
- Opportunistic fungal infections
- Disulfiram-like effect (avoid alcohol)
- Use generally not advised in 1st trimester
Nitrofurantoin
- Bacteriostatic & bactericidal
- Active against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
MOA
- Reduction of nitrofurantoin by bacteria in the urine leads to formation of reactive intermediates that subsequently damage bacterial DNA
- Slow emergence of resistance and no cross-resistance
**PK: **Rapid elimination (only achieves adequate concentrations in urine)
Nitrofurantoin: Adverse & contraindications
Adverse Effects
- Anorexia, nausea & vomiting.
- Neuropathies, hemolytic anemia (G6PD deficient patients)
Contraindications
- Significant renal insufficiency
- Pregnancy at term (38-42 weeks) but safe prior to 38 w
- Infants <1 month (risk of hemolytic anemia)