Penicillins Flashcards
What are the classes of antibiotics?
- Penicillins
- Cephalosporins
- Carbapanems
- Macrolides
- Aminoglycosides
- Glycopeptides
- Tetracyclines
- Quinolones
Give 6 examples of penicillins?
- Amoxicillin
- Ampicillin
- Flucloxacillin
- Benzylpenicillin
- Phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V)
- Piperacillin
What is it important to remember when prescribing co-amoxiclav?
That it contains a penicillin, and so cannot be given to penicillin-allergic patient
What is the mechanism of action of penicillins?
Inhibits cross-linking of peptide chains in the peptidoglycan bacterial cell wall, resulting in lysis of the weakened bacterial cell wall and subsequent cell death
What is meant by broad spectrum penicillins?
Effective in treating gram +ve and gram -ve bacteria, depending on indication
Why is important to avoid the over-prescribing of antibiotics?
Because the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a serious challenge worldwide
What are the potential routes of delivery of penicillins?
- PO
- IV
- IM
What are the indications for penicillins?
- Respiratory tract infection
- Otitis media
- Urinary tract infection
- Cellulitis
- Bacterial meningitis
- ENT infections
- Prophylaxis
What penicillin can be used in respiratory tract infections?
- Amoxicillin
- Ampicillin
What penicillin can be used in UTIs?
- Amoxicillin
- Ampicillin
What penicillin can be used in otitis media?
- Amoxicillin
- Ampicillin
What antibiotic can be used in cellulitis?
Flucloxacillin
What antibiotic can be used in bacterial meningitis?
Benzylpenicillin
What antibiotic can be used in ENT infections?
Phenoxymethylpenicillin
When might extended spectrum penicillins be required?
- Severe infections
- Pseudomonas