Sketchy Pharm: Nafcillin, Oxacillin, Methicillin, and Dicloxacillin

Question 1

What protein crosslinks peptidoglycan?

Answer 1

Penicillin-binding protein (PBP)

Think of the Planetary Building Project workers.

Question 2

What makes nafcillin, oxacillin, methicillin, and dicloxacillin resistant to beta-lactamase?

Answer 2

They have bulky R groups. (Sketchy shows this as bulky armor on the rebels’ spaceships that deflects lasers from the beta-lactamase turrets.)

Question 3

What bacteria can nafcillin, oxacillin, dicloxacillin, and methicillin treat?

Answer 3

Methicillin-sensitive Gram-positive Staphylococci (represented by the purple Death Stars in clusters)

Question 4

How can you remember the names of the drugs in this group?

Answer 4

Luke holds the Naf Staff (the purple lightsaber) while riding the OXacillin OX.

Question 5

The four drugs mentioned in this sketch are commonly used in oral doses to treat ______________.

Answer 5

abscesses (like the red hump that Luke sits on)

Question 6

IV nafcillin, oxacillin, and dicloxacillin (methicillin is no longer used due to adverse effects) are often used for methicillin-sensitive _____________.

Answer 6

osteomyelitis and tricuspid endocarditis (represented by the fishbones in the desert and the triple pyramids)

Question 7

MRSA results from ________________.

Answer 7

alterations in PBPs (shown by the Planetary Building Project workers’ new, laser-resistant suits)