Introduction to Infections 2 Flashcards
What does a concentration-dependent drug mean?
It is when the rate & extent of killing the bacteria is increased as the peak drug concentration (Cmax) increases.
What does a time-dependent drug mean?
It is when the concentration of a drug should be maintained above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).
Higher doses does not increase antimicrobial activity, like concentration-dependent drugs.
What are some examples of time-dependent drugs (T>MIC)?
- B-lactams
- Vancomycin
- Macrolides
- Clindamycin
What are some examples of concentration-dependent drugs (Cmax/MIC)?
- Aminoglycosides (gentamicin)
2. Fluoroquinolones
What is a bacteriostatic antibiotic, and what are some examples?
It is an antimicrobial agent with reversible stoppage, and prevents the growth of the bacteria (keeping it at a stationary growth)
E.G. Clindamycin, erythromycin, tetracylines
What is a bactericidal antibiotic, and what are some examples?
It is an antimicrobial agent that directly kills the bacteria.
E.G. aminoglycosides, penicillin, vancomycin, fluoroquinolones
What is the difference between prophylaxis and treatment?
Prophylaxis: preventing infectious complications or to prevent a further infection
Treatment: reducing the growth/reproduction of a pathogen
What is empirical therapy?
It is a ‘blind’ therapy to avoid delays in treatment.
It is treating a patient based on an educated guess & evidence informed through local guildelines
What should you always check when a patient is undergoing drug monitoring?
- Renal function
- Liver function
- Allergies
What can vancomycin cause if given too quickly?
Red man syndrome
What can aminoglycosides cause if given too quickly?
Nephrotoxicity (kidney damage), and ototoxicity (damaging the ear)
What are some examples of b-lactams?
Pencillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems.
They are all bactericidal.
How do b-lactams work and what are some side effects they can cause?
They are cell wall synthesis inhibitors.
Side effects can include: nausea, rashes, hypersensitivity, diarrhoea
What are some examples of macrolides, and what side effects can they cause?
Erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin.
Side effects: appetite loss, GI discomfort, dizziness, diarrhoea.
How do macrolides work?
They inhibit protein synthesis to the 30s/50s ribosome
