Micro - Antimicrobials (Interferons & Antibiotics to avoid in Pregnancy)

Question 1

What is the mechanism of Interferons?

Answer 1

Glycoproteins normally synthesized by virus-infected cells, exhibiting a wide range of antiviral and antitumoral properties

Question 2

What are 6 clinical uses of IFN-alpha?

Answer 2

IFN-alpha: (1) Chronic hepatitis B and C, (2) Kaposi sarcoma, (3) Hairy cell leukemia, (4) Condyloma acuminatum, (5) Renal cell carcinoma, (6) Malignant melanoma

Question 3

What is a clinical use of IFN-beta?

Answer 3

IFN-beta: Multiple sclerosis

Question 4

What is a clinical use of IFN-gamma?

Answer 4

IFN-gamma: Chronic granulomatous disease

Question 5

What are 2 toxicities associated with Interferons?

Answer 5

(1) Neutropenia (2) Myopathy

Question 6

What are 8 antibiotics to avoid in pregnancy? Make a note of which of these treat anything other than bacteria (i.e., antiviral, antifungal, etc.).

Answer 6

(1) Sulfonamides (2) Aminoglycosides (3) Fluoroquinolones (4) Clarithromycin (5) Tetracyclines (6) Ribavirin (antiviral) (7) Griseofulvin (antifungal) (8) Chloramphenicol; Think: “SAFe Children Take Really Good Care.”

Question 7

What adverse effect do sulfonamides have?

Answer 7

Kernicterus

Question 8

What adverse effect do aminoglycosides have?

Answer 8

Ototoxicity

Question 9

What adverse effect do fluoroquinolones have?

Answer 9

Cartilage damage

Question 10

What adverse effect do clarithromycin have?

Answer 10

Embryotoxic

Question 11

What 2 adverse effects do tetracyclines have?

Answer 11

Discolored teeth, inhibition of bone growth

Question 12

What adverse effect does ribavirin (antiviral) have?

Answer 12

Teratogenic

Question 13

What adverse effect does griseofulvin (antifungal) have?

Answer 13

Teratogenic

Question 14

What adverse effect does Chloramphenicol have?

Answer 14

“Gray baby”