Infection Pharm Flashcards
Types of microorganisms
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, helminths (worms).
Body’s natural defense mechanisms
Immune response, physical barriers (skin, mucous membranes), chemical barriers (stomach acid, enzymes).
Need for pharmacological intervention
When natural defense mechanisms fail, medications are needed to resolve infection and promote recovery.
Basics of bacteria
Single-celled microorganisms with basic organelles for protein synthesis and metabolism.
Pathogenic effects of bacteria
Multiply and compete for nutrients, release toxic substances, increased concern for immunocompromised individuals.
Nomenclature/classification of bacteria
Named based on genus and species (e.g., E. Coli, Streptococcus pyogens).
Narrow spectrum vs. broad spectrum activity
Narrow spectrum: specific to one type of bacteria. Broad spectrum: effective against many types of bacteria.
Bactericidal vs. bacteriostatic activity
Bactericidal: kill or destroy bacteria. Bacteriostatic: limit growth and proliferation.
Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis
Drugs impair production of bacterial cell walls, leading to bacterial death.
Inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis
Drugs block protein synthesis by binding to bacterial ribosomes, leading to stunted growth or death.
Inhibition of bacterial DNA/RNA function
Drugs block replication of genetic material, impairing bacterial cell function.
Penicillins
First antibiotic, includes narrow spectrum (penicillin) and broader spectrum (amoxicillin, ampicillin).
Cephalosporins
Beta-lactam antibiotics similar to penicillins, classified into four generations.
Carbapenems
Broader spectrum antibiotics with different chemical makeup, treat a variety of bacteria.
Bacitracin
Broad range antibacterial, applied topically for superficial skin wounds.
Colistin
Treats local infections of external auditory canal.
Cycloserine
Used as an adjunct in tuberculosis treatment.
Ethambutol (Myambutol)
Primarily treats tuberculosis.
Fosfomycin (Monurol)
Treats urinary tract infections caused by susceptible microorganisms.
Polymyxin B
Treats local superficial infections of skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
Vancomycin
Alternative to penicillins for treating various infections.
Aminoglycosides
Includes streptomycin, gentamicin, neomycin; adverse effects include toxicity risks.
Macrolide antibiotics
Includes erythromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin; broad spectrum activity with anti-inflammatory effects.
Tetracyclines
Broad spectrum activity, effective against E. Coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and wound infections.
Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin)
Treats serious infections like typhoid fever, osteomyelitis, and meningitis.
Clindamycin and Lincomycin
Alternative drugs for local and systemic infections when penicillin or erythromycin cannot be tolerated.
Ethionamide
Secondary agent for tuberculosis.
Linezolid (Zyvox)
Treats pneumonia and other skin/soft tissue infections.
Quinupristin and Dalfopristin (Synercid)
IV infusion for staphylococci.
Telithromycin (Ketek)
Similar to erythromycin, used when strains are resistant to other agents.
Fluoroquinolones
Includes ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin); treats UTIs, GI infections, respiratory infections, osteomyelitis, STDs.
Clofazamine (Lamprene) & Dapsone (Avlosulfon)
Treatment of leprosy.
Mupirocin (Bactroban)
Treats skin infections, manages nasal infections through nasal spray.
Sulfonamides
Includes sulfadiazine, sulfisoxazole; treats urinary tract infections.
Trimethoprim
Includes prloprim, trimpex; treats urinary tract infections.
Nitrofurantoin
Includes furadantin, macrodantin; treats urinary tract infections.
General adverse effect awareness
Hypersensitivity reactions, GI problems, tendinopathy (fluoroquinolones).
Infection prevention
Hand hygiene, PPE when indicated, awareness of antibiotic resistance.
Viral structure and function
Nucleic acid core and protein shell, rely on host cell metabolic processes to function.
DNA/RNA virus classification
Classified based on type of genetic material (DNA or RNA).
Viral replication process
Adsorption, penetration and uncoating, biosynthesis, maturation and release.
Common antiviral drugs
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), amantadine (Symmetrel), rimantadine (Flumadine), zanamivir (Relenza).
HIV treatment - Protease inhibitors
Inhibit HIV protease enzyme, common agents: atazanavir, lopinavir, tipranavir.
HIV treatment - Reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Inhibit replication and proliferation of HIV-1, common agents: zidovudine, abacavir, emtricitabine.
Vaccines - Mechanism of action
Stimulate endogenous production of immune functions, induce immune system to generate virus-specific antibodies.
Common vaccines
Prevent serious viral infections, prevent spread of virus, administered prior to potential exposure in high-risk groups.
Rehabilitation considerations for antiviral drugs
Common adverse effects include skin irritation, headaches, dizziness, GI problems, managing symptoms of viral infections.
Types of parasitic species
Fungi, protozoa, helminths (worms).
Systemic vs. topical antifungal agents
Systemic agents treat common fungal infections in various tissues, topical agents are more toxic.
Common antifungal drugs
Includes amphotericin B, fluconazole, flucytosine, griseofulvin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, echinocandins, terbinafine, voriconazole.
Common diseases treated by antiprotozoal agents
Malaria, pneumocystis pneumonia, intestinal infections, diarrhea (giardia).
Common antiprotozoal drugs
Includes chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, mefloquine, primaquine, quinine, pyrimethamine.
Types of worms treated by anthelmintic agents
Tapeworms, roundworms, flukes.
Common anthelmintic drugs
Includes albendazole, diethylcarbamazine, ivermectin, mebendazole, praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, thiabendazole.
Proper application of topical agents
Ensure patients take medications as prescribed and properly apply topical agents, educate on preventing transmission.
