Drugs - Infectious Diseases

Question 1

Indications for fusidic acid?

Answer 1

Staphylococcal skin infections:
o Non-bullous impetigo (but hydrogen peroxide preferred)
o Eye infections

Question 2

What is preferred over fusidic acid in non-bullous impetigo?

Answer 2

Hydrogen peroxide

Question 3

Why should you not treat fungal infections with topical steroids?

Answer 3

as this can lead to tinea incognito (steroids suppress immune system and allow fungi to grow).

Question 4

1st line drug for tinea infections?

Answer 4

Terbinafine

Question 5

What medications can be used in the management of local fungal infections including of the oropharynx (e.g. oral candidiasis), vagina (thrush), or skin?

Answer 5

Miconazole, Fluconazole, Clotrimazole, Nystatin

Question 6

What is the target for antifungal drugs?

Answer 6

Fungal cell membranes contain ergosterol (not seen in animal or human cells) which is target for antifungal drugs

Question 7

Contraindication for fluconazole?

Answer 7

Pregnancy

Question 8

How does fluconazole affect the P450 system?

Answer 8

Fluconazole inhibits the P450 system

Question 9

Why are the elderly particularly susceptible to oral candida infection?

Answer 9

They are commonly treated with Abx and systemic or inhaled corticosteroids, which predispose to oral candidiasis, and with antimuscarinic drugs that reduce saliva.

Question 10

What should be prescribed in the elderly in order to reduce risk of oral candidiasis?

Answer 10

Nystatin (and encourage good mouth care)

Question 11

Drug for pityriasis versicolour?

Answer 11

Pityriasis versicolour

Question 12

Indications for aciclovir?

Answer 12

• Treatment of acute episodes of Herpes virus infections
• Can reduce the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia
• Viral meningitis
• HSV encephalitis

Question 13

Drug for scabies?

Answer 13

Permethrin cream