Antimicrobials - Penicillins

Question 1

What type of bacteria does penicillin primarily act against?

Answer 1

gram + bacteria (some go for -)

Question 2

Penicillin Overview

What is the action of penicillins on bacteria?

Answer 2

weakens cell wall making it take up water and rupture

Question 3

Penicillin only works against bacteria that is…

Answer 3

actively growing and binding

Question 4

Penicillin can cause anaphylaxis and is cross sensitive with what other two drugs?

Answer 4

• cephalosporins
• aminoglycosides (cannot be mixed bc penicillin deactivates amino’s)

Question 5

What are all penicillins taken for?

Answer 5

bacterial growth

Question 6

What are “need to know” things for any penicillin drug?

ask about what, resistant to what, can be taken with what

Answer 6

-all you must ask pt. about allergy to penicillin
-all have MRSA coverage
-all can be taken with beta-lactamase inhibitors to help the penicillin work

Question 7

What are two main side effects of any penicillin drug?

Answer 7

• allergic reaction/rash
• Gi upset to diarrhea (C. diff) to dehydration

Question 8

List the 3 penicillin drugs

Answer 8

Pen G/Pen V
Amoxicillin
Piperacillin (Zosyn)

Question 9

Pen G/ Pen V

spectrum, how its administered, taken for

Answer 9

-narrow spectrum (narrow like a pen)
-Pen G is given IV and in large dose
-Pen V is given orally
-Take for: best for syphilis

Question 10

Amoxicillin

one need to know, SE

Answer 10

-Need to know: take with food
-SE: diarrhea*

Question 11

Piperacillin (Zosyn)

two need to knows, two unique side effects

Answer 11

-Need to know: its for more severe infection like sepsis. do a CBC prior to giving
-SE: bleeding and hypokalemia