Beta-lactam antibiotics

Question 1

mechanism of beta lactam abx

Answer 1

interfere w/protein involved in cell wall synthesis of bacteria

Question 2

beta lactam abx meds

Answer 2

penicillin:
-cillins
amoxicillin

cephalosporins:
ceph-/cef-
cephalexin

carbapenems:
-penems
imipenem

Question 3

issues w/beta lactam abx

Answer 3

(common) allergic rxn, especially w/penicillins: rash to anaphylaxis w/in 30min
(rare) cross-sensitivity to cephalosporins

Question 4

tx for C.diff

Answer 4

“stop” abx which caused superinfection
“swap” hand foam–> soap and water
“metronidazole” or vancomycin