Ch 7 - Antibiotics Flashcards
What does PK stand for in pharmacology?
Pharmacokinetics
What does PD stand for in pharmacology?
Pharmacodynamics
Why is it important to consider PK and PD MIC when designing a dose regimen?
To ensure effective drug dosing and therapeutic outcomes
What are the important PK parameters for time and concentration dependent drugs?
Maximum drug concentration and elimination half-life
For time-dependent drugs, what is a critical PK parameter?
Elimination half-life
What is the aim for T>MIC in time-dependent PD index?
50-75%
What is the exception for T>MIC in carbapenems?
25%
What is the Cmax/MIC ratio for concentration-dependent PD index?
Cmax/MIC ≥ 10
What is the AUC/MIC range for concentration-dependent PD index?
125 to 250
What does MBC stand for?
Minimum Bactericidal Concentration
What does MPC stand for?
Minimum Concentration needed to block growth of less susceptible bacteria
What type of drugs target the bacterial cell wall?
Beta-Lactam
What are the two main types of beta-lactam antibiotics?
Penicillins and Cephalosporins
What is the origin of natural penicillin?
Mold Penicillium
What is the significance of the beta-lactam ring in beta-lactam antibiotics?
It is the active site for inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis
What is the effect of the six-member ring in cephalosporins compared to the five-member ring in penicillins?
More stable and less susceptible to degradation and resistance
What is the mechanism of action for beta-lactams?
Interference with bacterial cell wall synthesis
What are the key components of the bacterial cell wall that beta-lactams target?
Peptidoglycan strands
What leads to bacterial cell lysis when affected by beta-lactams?
Loss of cell wall rigidity and osmotic pressure
What is the relationship between beta-lactams and ribosomal inhibitors?
They have well-documented antagonistic effects
What is the activity spectrum of natural penicillin G?
Effective against gram-positive cocci and some gram-negative anaerobes
What type of penicillins are resistant to beta-lactamase?
Beta-lactamase-resistant penicillins such as dicloxacillin, cloxacillin, methicillin, and oxacillin
What are aminopenicillins?
Amoxicillin and ampicillin
What is the significance of beta-lactamase inhibitors?
They improve the efficacy of beta-lactams against resistant organisms
What is the role of carbapenems?
Broad-spectrum antibiotics with resistance to beta-lactamase
What is the MOA of carbapenems?
Bind to PBPs and are effective against a wide range of bacteria
What is the significance of the mecA gene in MRSA?
It alters the penicillin-binding protein, leading to resistance
What are ESBLs?
Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases that confer resistance to certain cephalosporins
What is a common challenge in detecting ESBLs?
They may be missed in routine susceptibility testing
What is the role of pharmacokinetics in beta-lactam treatment?
Determines absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of the drugs
Fill in the blank: Many beta-lactams are _______ bound to plasma proteins.
highly
What is the significance of protein binding in beta-lactams?
Prolongs their half-life and duration in circulation
What is the elimination route for most beta-lactams?
Primarily via the kidneys
What is the Cmax and half-life of amoxicillin at the label dose?
Low Cmax and short half-life increase likelihood of therapeutic failure even with susceptible isolates
How do procaine and benzathine penicillin G esters differ in terms of absorption duration?
Procaine lasts 24 hours, benzathine up to 120 hours
What is the MIC90 for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid against S. pseudintermedius?
<0.5 μg/mL
What is the MIC90 for E. coli?
8 μg/mL
What is the protein binding characteristic of imipenem in dogs?
Minimally protein bound
What is the clearance rate of imipenem in dogs?
0.26 L/hr/kg
What is the preferred administration route for meropenem for faster onset?
Intravenous administration
What is the half-life of cefalexin at a 20 mg/kg dose?
5 hours
What is the Cmax of cefazolin after a 22 mg/kg IV dose?
178 μg/mL
What is the Cmax of cefuroxime after subcutaneous administration in Beagles?
29 μg/mL
What is the oral bioavailability of cefpodoxime?
63%
What is the protein binding percentage of cefovecin?
96%-98% at low concentrations
What is the dosing interval for cefpodoxime to stay above MIC90 for E. coli?
12-24 hours
What is the risk associated with combining beta-lactams and bacteriostatic drugs?
Beta-lactams may become bacteriostatic rather than bactericidal
Which beta-lactam may not exhibit antagonism with certain Enterobacteriaceae?
Chloramphenicol
What is a common side effect of beta-lactam antibiotics?
Diarrhea
What may reduce gastrointestinal upset when using amoxicillin-clavulanic acid?
Higher amoxicillin to clavulanic acid ratio
What serious condition may arise from overuse of cefovecin?
Emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
What is the main mechanism of action of vancomycin?
Binding to D-Ala-D-Alanine precursor in bacterial cell walls
What type of bacteria is vancomycin primarily used to treat?
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus and other Gram-positive bacteria
What is a potential toxicity associated with vancomycin?
Nephrotoxicity
How does teicoplanin differ from vancomycin?
More lipid-soluble structure
What is the spectrum of activity for teicoplanin?
Effective against Gram-positive bacteria
What type of bond characterizes fosfomycin?
Carbon–phosphorus bond
What is the mechanism of action of the drug similar to vancomycin?
It interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to the D-Ala-D-Alanine precursor.
What spectrum of bacteria is the drug effective against?
Effective against Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and some anaerobes.
What has largely replaced the clinical role of the drug similar to vancomycin?
Vancomycin and daptomycin due to similar efficacy and better options available.
What is fosfomycin?
A phosphonic acid with a carbon–phosphorus bond, produced by Streptomyces fradiae.
What is the mechanism of action of fosfomycin?
Inhibits phosphoenolpyruvate transferase, which catalyzes the first step in bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan synthesis.
What type of infections is fosfomycin particularly effective for?
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), including those caused by multidrug-resistant E. coli.
What is the oral bioavailability of fosfomycin?
30%, with a dose-dependent increase in plasma concentration.
What can decrease the bioavailability of fosfomycin?
Food.
What is the half-life of fosfomycin?
Short half-life (~1.3 hours).
What are common adverse effects of fosfomycin?
Mild gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea.
What type of drugs are aminoglycosides?
A class of antibiotics that target ribosomes and are bactericidal.
Name some aminoglycosides.
- Amikacin
- Gentamicin
- Neomycin
- Tobramycin
- Streptomycin
- Netilmicin
What is the structure of aminoglycosides composed of?
Amino sugars linked to an aminocyclitol core.
How do aminoglycosides enter gram-negative bacteria?
Through porins in the lipopolysaccharide layer.
What ribosomal subunit do aminoglycosides bind to?
30S ribosomal subunit.
What type of killing mechanism do aminoglycosides exhibit?
Concentration-dependent killing.
What is the recommended dosing strategy for aminoglycosides?
Once daily at high dosages.
What type of bacteria are aminoglycosides primarily effective against?
Aerobic gram-negative bacteria and some aerobic gram-positive organisms.
What is the synergy effect of aminoglycosides?
Enhances effectiveness when combined with penicillins or vancomycin.
What are the common resistance mechanisms to aminoglycosides?
- Enzymatic destruction
- Decreased cell entry
- Altered ribosomal structure
What is the most common resistance mechanism to aminoglycosides?
Enzymatic destruction.
What is the main adverse effect associated with aminoglycosides?
Nephrotoxicity.
What are the risk factors associated with nephrotoxicity from aminoglycosides?
- Hypocalcemia
- Hypomagnesemia
- Dehydration
- Renal diseases
What can cause ototoxicity when using aminoglycosides?
Active uptake of the drug into cochlear hair cells.
What is a significant pharmacokinetic characteristic of aminoglycosides?
They are poorly absorbed from the GI tract.
What is the elimination route for aminoglycosides?
Excretion is proportional to GFR.
What can enhance the effectiveness of aminoglycosides in patients with renal disease?
Monitoring serum creatinine levels to adjust dosing intervals.
What type of toxicity is associated with aminoglycosides?
Auditory & vestibular toxicity
Aminoglycosides can lead to hearing loss and balance issues due to damage in cochlear hair cells.
What is the mechanism of auditory toxicity caused by aminoglycosides?
Active uptake into cochlear hair cells results in cell damage
This mechanism contributes to hearing loss and balance issues.
What trough levels of aminoglycosides should be avoided to minimize ototoxicity?
Above 2-5 µg/mL
Higher trough levels are associated with increased risk of ototoxicity.
Why should drugs not be used in patients with a perforated eardrum?
Increased risk of ototoxicity
Perforated eardrums can enhance the risk of drug-induced hearing loss.
What neuromuscular effects can aminoglycosides have?
Impair calcium release, leading to muscle weakness and respiratory paralysis
Risk increases with intravenous administration, hypocalcemia, or combination with other neuromuscular affecting drugs.
What can be used to reverse neuromuscular blockade caused by aminoglycosides?
Cholinesterase inhibitors and calcium
These treatments help restore neuromuscular function.
What changes can prolonged therapy or high doses of aminoglycosides cause?
Progressive kidney damage
Kidney damage can be monitored through changes in urine osmolality, creatinine levels, and renal enzyme markers.
Which drugs increase the risk of ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity when combined with aminoglycosides?
Other aminoglycosides, NSAIDs, loop diuretics, ACE inhibitors, amphotericin B
These combinations can elevate toxicity risks.
What are the primary targets of fluoroquinolones in bacterial cells?
DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV
These topoisomerases are essential for DNA replication and separation.
What is the mechanism of action of fluoroquinolones?
Cause irreversible breaks in bacterial DNA
This action leads to inhibition of DNA replication.
What is the significance of the Cmax/MIC ratio for fluoroquinolones?
It should exceed 10 for optimal efficacy
This ratio indicates effective bacterial killing.
What are the four generations of fluoroquinolones based on spectrum and potency?
1st: Narrow spectrum, 2nd: Broader spectrum, 3rd: Enhanced potency, 4th: Broadest spectrum
Each generation has different effectiveness against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.
Which gram-negative bacteria are commonly targeted by fluoroquinolones?
E. coli, Klebsiella, Pasteurella, Pseudomonas spp.
These bacteria are susceptible to fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
What is the major mode of resistance to fluoroquinolones?
Mutation in target topoisomerase enzymes
Resistance can also involve reduced drug uptake and increased efflux pump activity.
What pharmacokinetic properties do fluoroquinolones exhibit?
Excellent tissue distribution due to lipid solubility
They can accumulate in phagocytic white blood cells and cross the blood-brain barrier.
What is the role of pradofloxacin among fluoroquinolones?
Targets P. aeruginosa and many anaerobes
It features a cyclopropyl ring that enhances bacterial killing.
What is a key drug interaction concern with fluoroquinolones?
They can inhibit hepatic enzymes, prolonging elimination of other drugs
Notable interactions include theophylline, cyclosporine, and warfarin.
What is the effective concentration of fluoroquinolones for pathogens with low MICs?
4.7 μg/mL
This concentration suggests their use is most effective for specific pathogens.
What do fluoroquinolones inhibit that can prolong the elimination of other drugs?
Certain hepatic enzymes
This can lead to various drug interactions.
Which drug’s metabolism can be impaired by fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin?
Theophylline
This can lead to toxicity in both dogs and humans.
What effect do fluoroquinolones have when combined with cyclosporine?
Increase cyclosporine concentrations
This may necessitate monitoring.
What are the potential effects of combining fluoroquinolones with warfarin?
Prolonged anticoagulant effects
This can increase the risk of bleeding.
Fill in the blank: Fluoroquinolones may enhance the hypoglycemic effects of _______.
Oral Hypoglycemics and Insulin
What type of activity do fluoroquinolones have when given with aminoglycosides?
Synergistic activity
Effective against gram-negative organisms.
What CNS effects may occur when fluoroquinolones are combined with drugs that inhibit GABA receptors?
Increased risk of seizures and other CNS disorders
What can enrofloxacin cause in terms of glucose readings?
False glucosuria
This can complicate diabetes management.
What gastrointestinal issues are associated with fluoroquinolone use?
Vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea
Particularly with oral administration.
What cardiovascular toxicity is linked to levofloxacin?
Hypotension and decreased left ventricular function
What type of damage can fluoroquinolones like enrofloxacin cause in growing animals?
Cartilage and connective tissue damage
Especially in dogs.
What is the risk associated with magnesium in relation to fluoroquinolones?
Magnesium antagonism leading to cartilage damage
What can fluoroquinolones inhibit that contributes to seizures?
The release of GABA
What retinal issue can occur in cats treated with fluoroquinolones?
Dose-dependent retinal degeneration
Clinical signs may include mydriasis and acute blindness.
Which fluoroquinolone is least likely to cause retinal degeneration in cats?
Marbofloxacin
What is a potential consequence of impaired bone healing associated with fluoroquinolones?
Impaired fracture healing
What can fluoroquinolones induce in certain bacteria, potentially worsening conditions?
Bacteriophage lysis
Examples include S. canis and E. coli.
What are fluoroquinolones derived from?
Nalidixic acid
What is the primary therapeutic use of fluoroquinolones?
Effective against a wide range of organisms in life-threatening infections
What is a concern regarding the use of fluoroquinolones?
Development of antimicrobial resistance
What must be monitored to prevent resistance development with fluoroquinolones?
Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and mutant prevention concentrations (MPC)
What is the mechanism of action of rifampin?
Inhibits the B unit of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase in bacteria
Which organisms is rifampin mainly effective against?
Gram-positive organisms
Includes Staphylococcus and Mycobacterium.
What is a significant adverse effect associated with rifampin?
GI disturbances and liver function abnormalities
What drug interactions are important to consider with rifampin?
Induces microsomal enzymes including CYP450 enzymes
What is the mechanism of action of metronidazole?
Inhibits microbial RNA/DNA synthesis via nitrous reduction in anaerobic environments
What types of bacteria is metronidazole effective against?
Anaerobic bacteria
Includes B. fragilis and Clostridium spp.
What are common adverse effects of metronidazole?
Gastrointestinal upset and CNS toxicity
What is the mechanism of action of sulfonamides?
Inhibit bacterial folic acid synthesis by competing with PABA
What is the spectrum of activity for sulfonamides?
Broad spectrum but effectiveness varies due to resistance
What is a common adverse effect of sulfonamides?
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
What is the mechanism of action for tetracyclines?
Bacteriostatic, concentration dependent
Fill in the blank: Tetracyclines are obtained from _______.
Streptomyces
What type of activity do tetracyclines exhibit?
Bacteriostatic, concentration dependent
Tetracyclines inhibit bacterial growth without killing bacteria directly.
Name three naturally occurring tetracyclines.
- Chlortetracycline
- Oxytetracycline
- Demethylchlortetracycline
These are the foundational tetracyclines from which semisynthetic derivatives are derived.
List the classification of tetracyclines by half-life.
- Short-acting: tetracycline, oxytetracycline, chlortetracycline
- Intermediate-acting: demethylchlortetracycline, methacycline
- Long-acting: doxycycline, minocycline
This classification affects the dosing and administration of these drugs.
What is the mechanism of action for tetracyclines?
Bind to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing the binding of amino-acyl tRNA
This inhibition impairs protein synthesis in bacteria.
What is the spectrum of activity for tetracyclines?
Broad-spectrum: effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, anaerobes, rickettsial organisms, mycoplasma, Chlamydia, Hemobartonella, and spirochetes
However, they are not effective against P. aeruginosa unless specified.
True or False: Tetracyclines can be used in immunocompromised patients.
False
Tetracyclines are bacteriostatic and may not be effective in patients with weakened immune systems.
What are the main adverse effects of tetracyclines?
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Hepatotoxicity
- Renal toxicity
- Esophageal erosions
- Discoloration of teeth
- Enamel hypoplasia
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Fanconi-like syndrome
These effects vary by individual and specific tetracycline used.
What is the pharmacokinetic profile of doxycycline?
100% bioavailable, penetrates tissues well, including CNS
Doxycycline’s bioavailability makes it a preferred choice in many cases.
How do tetracyclines interact with cations?
Chelation with cations reduces absorption
Tetracyclines should not be given with antacids, sucralfate, or calcium supplements.
What is the mechanism of action for chloramphenicol and florfenicol?
Both bind to the 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting peptidyl transferase
This action impairs protein synthesis in bacteria.
What are the primary uses for florfenicol?
Approved for bovine respiratory disease and has fewer toxicity concerns compared to chloramphenicol
It is commonly used in small animals, especially cats.
What is a notable adverse effect of chloramphenicol?
Bone marrow suppression
This can be reversible or irreversible and is more common in cats.
What is the main advantage of florfenicol over chloramphenicol?
Fewer adverse effects and less risk of irreversible bone marrow suppression
This makes florfenicol a safer alternative in many cases.
What types of bacteria are lincosamides effective against?
- Aerobic gram-positive cocci
- Nocardia
- Anaerobes
- Cell wall-deficient organisms like Mycoplasma
Clindamycin is more effective than lincomycin, especially against anaerobes.
What is a potential side effect of clindamycin?
Pseudomembranous colitis
This condition is caused by an overgrowth of C. difficile due to disruption of normal intestinal microbiota.
How do macrolides inhibit bacterial growth?
By binding to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting protein synthesis
This can be bacteriostatic or bactericidal depending on the concentration.
What are some examples of macrolides?
- Erythromycin
- Azithromycin
- Tylosin
- Tilmicosin
These drugs vary in their specific applications and safety in different animal species.
What are the adverse effects associated with erythromycin?
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Cholestatic hepatitis
Gastrointestinal upset can occur in up to 50% of animals treated.
What is the role of azithromycin in terms of pharmacokinetics?
Has a large volume of distribution and is well distributed in tissues
Its half-life ranges from 1.5 hours in dogs to 35 hours in humans.
What is a significant drug interaction concern with macrolides?
Macrolides can inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes, increasing drug concentrations
This can lead to toxicity with other medications.
What effect do anti-acids have on azithromycin absorption?
Anti-acids extend the absorption of azithromycin
This may influence the effectiveness of the drug.
How do macrolides affect cytochrome P450 enzymes?
Macrolides can inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes, increasing drug concentrations
This can lead to potential drug interactions.
Which macrolides are most likely to interact with CYP 3A4?
Azithromycin and clarithromycin
They affect drugs like theophylline, digoxin, and warfarin.
What type of effects can occur when azithromycin is combined with other antibiotics?
Synergistic effects
Examples include cefamandole or sulfadiazine/trimethoprim.
What is azithromycin used for in cystic fibrosis treatment?
Azithromycin impairs P. aeruginosa adhesion in the respiratory tract
This helps in managing lung infections.
What is Tylosin classified as?
Technically classified as a macrolide
It is structurally different from erythromycin.
What is the mechanism of action for Tylosin?
Targets the 50S ribosomal subunit
Similar to erythromycin.
What is the stability characteristic of Tylosin?
Stable in gastric environment
No need for enteric coating for oral administration.
What type of infections is Tylosin used to treat in small animals?
Gastrointestinal infections and bacterial pyodermas
Example includes chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
What is the first ketolide approved for human use?
Telithromycin
It is developed for treating respiratory tract infections.
What is the mechanism of action for ketolides?
Bind to 50S ribosomal subunit
Similar to macrolides and azalides.
What is the primary use of linezolid?
Effective against gram-positive bacteria
Examples include MRSA and vancomycin-resistant enterococci.
What is the mechanism of action for oxazolidinones?
Binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibits protein synthesis at the P site
This action leads to its antibacterial effects.
What are the adverse effects associated with linezolid?
Myelosuppression, peripheral neuropathies, and hyperlactatemia
These effects are more common in humans.
What is the mechanism of action for daptomycin?
Binds to bacterial cell membranes, causing cell death
This mechanism is specific to gram-positive organisms.
What is the main adverse effect of daptomycin in dogs?
Can cause skeletal muscle damage and peripheral neuropathies
Adverse effects are dose-dependent.
What class does fusidic acid belong to?
Steroid like antimicrobial
It has a unique mechanism of action.
What is the spectrum of activity for fusidic acid?
Primarily gram-positive bacteria
Especially effective against staphylococci.
What is the mechanism of action for bacitracin?
Inhibits peptidoglycan synthesis
This action targets gram-positive organisms.
What are polymyxins primarily effective against?
Primarily gram-negative organisms
Example includes P. aeruginosa.
What is the limitation of using novobiocin systemically?
Systemic toxicity, such as bone marrow suppression
It is used topically only.
What is the mechanism of action for mupirocin?
Inhibits incorporation of isoleucine into proteins
It binds to isoleucyl transfer-RNA synthetase.
What is the spectrum of activity for silver sulfadiazine?
Effective against P. aeruginosa and broad-spectrum against gram-positive and other gram-negative organisms
Primarily used for burn wounds.
What are nitrofurans used for?
Effective against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, and some protozoa
Examples include nitrofurantoin and furazolidone.
What is the mechanism of action for methenamine?
Bactericidal in acidic conditions; bacteriostatic in more alkaline environments
This dual action makes it versatile.