Drugs that Affect Nucleic Acid Synthesis Flashcards
These next three classes of drugs affect nucleic acid synthesis. The first is Fluoroquinolones. What is the MOA?
Only class of antimicrobial agents that are direct inhibitors of bacterial DNA synthesis
- -inhibit two bacterial enzymes, DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV
- results in damage to bacterial DNA and bacterial cell death
What is the resistance in fluoroquinolones?
Emerged rapidly esp in C. jejuni, gonococci and gram positive coci, P. aeruginosa and Serratia. Mechanisms behind the resistance include mutations in chromosomal genes that:
–encode the subunits of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV
–regulate the expression of cytoplasmic membrane efflux pumps
Cross resistance between the fluoroquinolones does exist
What is the spectrum of activity and clinical application of fluoroquinolones?
Activity against gram negative aerobic bacteria
Limited activity against gram positive bacteria
Just like in cephalosporins drugs there are different generations based off gram + and negative activity. Each card will go through each generation. The first generation drug is Nalidixic Acid, what are some feature?
Mainly gram negative organisms
Bactericidal concentrations can only be achieved in urine so main use in uncomplicated urinary tract infections
The second generation Fluoroquinolone is Ciprofloxacin, what are some feature?
Gram negative bacteria
Some gram positive activity
Synergistic with the beta lactam antibiotics
Use:
tx of travelers diarrhea, pseudomonas aeruginosa infections (cystic fibrosis patients) and as an alternative to ceftriaxone and rifampin for prophylaxis against meningococcal infection
The third generation Fluroquinolone is Levofloxacin. What are some features?
Less active than cipro against gram - bacteria
Greater activity against gram + cocci (s. pneumoniae and strains of enterococci and MRSA)
Uses:
–tx of prostatitis caused by E. coli infections, STDs, skin infections, acute sinusitis and chronic bronchitis and tuberculosis
–activity against organisms associated with community acquired pneumonia (s. pneumoniae, chlamydiae, mycoplasma, and legionella)
The fourth generation Fluroquinolone is Moxifloxacin and Gemifloxacin. What are some features?
Broadest spectrum, enhanced activity against anaerobes and atypical pneumonia agents
Tx: Respiratory fluoroquinolones – used in tx of pneumonia, when first line has failed or if patient is inpatient
In general what are the pharmacokinetics for Fluoroquinolones?
Good oral bioavailability
Penetrate most body tissues
Divalent or trivalent cations interfere with oral absorption and bioavailability
Dose adjustments are needed in renal dysfunction except for moxifloxacin which is eliminated by hepatic metabolism and biliary excretion
What are the adverse effects of Fluoroquinolones?
GI distress: N/V/D
Connective Tissue Problems: tendinitis and tendon rupture
QT prolongation: due to inhibition of potassium channels
Superinfections: C. diff, C. albicans and strep
Other adverse effects: CNS effects, rash, photosensitivity
What are drug interactions with Fluoroquinolones?
NSAIDs and corticosteriods
–enhance toxicity of fluoroquinolones
Levo, Mox and Gem all raise serum levels of warfarin, caffeine and cyclosporine
What are the contrainidications of Fluoroquinolones?
Prego and Nursing: absence of data
Children under 18: due to development of arthropathy with erosions of the cartilage in weight bearing joints
Next set of drugs that affect nucleic acid synthesis are the Sulfonamides (Sulfamethoxazole, Sulfadiazine, Sulfasalazine). What is their MOA?
Analogues of p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
–competitive inhibitors (and substrates) of dihydropterote synthase and thus folate production
Combo of a sulfa with an inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase (trimethoprim) provides synergistic activity due to inhibition of folate synthesis
What are the reasons for sulfa resistance?
Mutations:
- -cause overproduction of PABA
- -alter affinity of drugs for dihydropteroate synthase
- -decrease cellular permeability
- -decrease intracellular drug accumulation
What is the spectrum of activity and clinical applications of sulfa drugs?
Bacteriostatic active against gram + and gram - organisms
Poor against anaerobes
Not used as single agents due to resistance
Still used as topical agents to treat ocular or burn infections
Oral agents for the tx of simple UTIs
What is sulfasalazine specifically used for?
Oral, nonabsorable agent that is widely used in the tx of ulcerative colitis, enteritis, and other inflammatory bowel diseases
