Pharmacology of GI Infections & Parasites Flashcards
Gram positive, spore forming, anaerobic rod
Clostridium difficile (c diff)
What associated infections are seen with c diff
antiobiotic-associated pseudo-membranous diarrhea and colitis
What are the two toxins associated with c diff? What are the manifestations of these toxins?
- Toxin A (Enterotoxin) —> diarrhea
- Toxin B (Cytotoxin) —> cytotoxic to colonic cells
What are the associated symptoms seen in c diff?
- Severe diarrhea
- abdominal cramping
- fever
What occurs to the large intestine as a result of c diff infection
Red inflamed mucosa w/ areas of white exudate (pseudomembranous) on the surface of the large intestines
What pharmacological agents are used in the treatment of c diff that also rarely cause c diff
- Vancomycin
- Metronidazole
- Fidaxomicin
What antimicrobial agents are frequently associated with inducing c diff related diarrhea and colitis?
- Fluoroquinolones
- Clindamycin
- Cephalosporins (broad spectrum)
- penicillins
What is the top dog preferred pharmacological agent for treatment of c diff
Vancomycin (glycopeptide)
What pharmacological agent is used in mild c diff or if oral administration isn’t possible?
Metronidazole (5-nitroimidazole)
What’s used for recurrent treatment of c diff?
Fidaxomicin (macrolide) - macrolide means huge
(spares many anaerobic colonic flora)
The most common cause of duodenal ulcers and chronic gastritis
Helicobacter pylori
What are the key drugs used in the treatment of H pylori?
- Bismuth compounds (bismuth subsalicylate - pepto-bismol)
- omeprazole (PPI)
- metronidazole (5-nitromidazole)
- tetracycline (tetracycline)
What is unique about Vancomycin?
ONLY stays within in the GI if given by mouth and stays ONLY systemic if given IV
