Side Effects

Question 1

Penicillins

Answer 1

Hypersensitivity (SJS + TEN), GI symptoms (N/V, CDAD) and Neurotoxicity (coma and convulsions at high doses)

Question 2

Cephalosporins

Answer 2

Hypersensitivity, GI symptoms (V/D, CDAD)

Question 3

Carbapenems

Answer 3

Hypersensitivity, GI symptoms (V/D, CDAD) and Neurotoxicity (seizures from high dose and renal impairment)

Question 4

Azteronam (None)

Answer 4

NIL

Question 5

Vancomycin

Answer 5

Thrombophlebitis (fevers and chills), Red-neck syndrome, Nephrotoxicity and Ototoxicity

Question 6

Tetracyclines and Tigecyclines

Answer 6

7:
1) Superinfection (> 2 mths of use)
2) Effects on calcified tissues (stunt of growth, discolouration and hypoplasia of teeth)
3) Gastric discomfort (take with full glass of water)
4) Renal SEs
5) Phototoxicity
6) Nephrotoxicity
7) Vestibular dysfunction (dizziness, vertigo and tinnitus)

Question 7

Aminoglycosides

Answer 7

5:
1) Nephrotoxicity
2) Ototoxicity
3) Neuromuscular paralysis
4) Hypersensitivity
5) CI in pregnancy

Question 8

Macrolides

Answer 8

4:
1) Gastric distress
2) Ototoxicity
3) Hepatotoxicity
4) QTC interval prolongation (caution in pro-arrhythmic patients)

Question 9

Clindamycin

Answer 9

4:
1) Skin rashes
2) GI: N/V
3) Esophageal irritation (Take with full glass of water)
4) Increase CDAD risk

Question 10

Linezolid

Answer 10

4:
1) MAOi activity: so taking with other MAOIs and SSRIs -> serotonin syndrome
2) Bone marrow suppression (>10 days)
3) Peripheral neuropathies and optic neuritis (>28 days of use)
4) GI effects (nausea, diarrhoea, headache and rash)

Question 11

Fluroquinolones

Answer 11

10:
1) GI related
2) Risk of dysglycemia especially in diabetic patients
3) Aortic dissections
4) Increase risk of CDAD
5) Peripheral neuropathies
6) Headache, dizziness or light headness
7) Phototoxicity
8) Increase risk of tendinitis and tendon ruptures
9) QTC interval prolongation
10) Arthopathy (Joint problems) -> avoid <18y/o

Question 12

Sulfonamides

Answer 12

4:
1) Crystalluria (metabolites ppt in neutral/acidic pH)
2) Hematopoietic disturbances
3) Kernicterus
4) Hypersensitivity

Question 13

Trimethoprim

Answer 13

1) Folic acid deficiency

Question 14

Co-trimoxazole

Answer 14

5:
1) Hypersensitivity (SJS)
2) GI effects: N/V
3) Hemolytic anemia (G6PD)
4) Folate antagonist that can impair hematopoiesis
5) Hyperkalemia

Question 15

Nitrofurantoin

Answer 15

6:
1) Brown urine
2) Leukopenia anemia, Hemolytic anemia (G6PD risk)
3) Cholestatic jaundice and hepatocellular damage
4) Hypersensitivity
5) Elderly pts with risk of peripheral neuropathies, pulmonary/hepatic toxicities
6) GI effects: N/V/D