Sepsis Case Drugs

Question 1

Flucloxacillin

Answer 1

●Effects:
○Bacterial cell lysis by binding to PBPs and inhibiting cell wall synthesis

Pharmacodynamics-
Flucloxacillin is a penicillin beta-lactam antibiotic used in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible, usually gram-positive, organisms. Flucloxacillin has in vitro activity against gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The bactericidal activity of Flucloxacillin results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis and is mediated through flucloxacillin binding to penicillin binding proteins (PBPs). Flucloxacillin is stable against hydrolysis by a variety of beta-lactamases, including penicillinases, and cephalosporinases and extended spectrum beta-lactamases.

Mechanism of action-
By binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, flucloxacillin inhibits the third and last stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cell lysis is then mediated by bacterial cell wall autolytic enzymes such as autolysins; it is possible that flucloxacillin interferes with an autolysin inhibitor

Side effects-
Feeling nauseous
Diarrhoea
Bloating and indigestion

Question 2

Amoxicillin

Answer 2

Binds to PBPs and inhibits cells wall synthesis

Question 3

Co-amoxiclav

Answer 3

●Mechanism:
○Two drugs together, Amoxicillin and Clavulanic Acid.
○Both contain β-Lactam structures
○Amoxicillin: broad spectrum penicillin antibiotic, susceptible to β-lactamases.
○Clavulanic acid: no antibiotic action, but very high affinity towards β-lactamase. Covalently binds and protects other β-lactam antibiotics from hydrolysis. ​
○Overcomes β-Lactamase+ penicillin resistance.

●Effects:
○Bacterial cell lysis.
●Side Effects:
○Nausea
○D&V
○Allergic reactions
○Potential for secondary infection (broad spec.)