Unit 3.3

Question 1

This means toxicity in the kidney

Answer 1

nephrotoxicity

Question 2

This means toxic to the inner ear

Answer 2

ototoxicity

Question 3

This term refers to infections in which there is pus produced.

Answer 3

pyogenic

Question 4

What family of antibiotics is characterized by “mycin” or “micin” in the generic/non-proprietary name of the drug?

Answer 4

aminoglycosides

Question 5

Which member of aminoglycosides does not follow its naming rule?

Answer 5

amikacin

Question 6

Which aminoglycoside has the greatest potential for nephrotoxicity, but seldom causes it because it is given orally or topically?

Answer 6

neomycin

Question 7

T or F

Aminoglycosides and quinolones are both ineffective against anaerobic bacteria.

Answer 7

True

Question 8

T or F

The presence of pus containing cellular debris with RNA impairs the ability of penicillin drugs to reach the bacteria.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

T or F

Aminoglycosides are poorly absorbed from the GI tract.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

T or F

Aminoglycosides require oxygen for the bacteria to take up the antibiotic.

Answer 10

True

Question 11

What is the site of action for this drug?

Penicillins

Answer 11

cell wall

Question 12

What is the site of action for this drug?

Cephalosporins

Answer 12

cell wall

Question 13

What is the site of action for this drug?

Aminoglycosides

Answer 13

ribosomal production

Question 14

Why is it that to avoid dangerous side effects in aminoglycosides, the dose interval must be increased as opposed to the dose being decreased (as it is with most other drugs)?

Answer 14

Plasma concentration decreases through passive diffusion. Takes time.

Question 15

What are the EARLY signs of nephrotoxicosis from aminoglycosides? Why don’t we rely on BUN and creatinine for early detection?

Answer 15

Appearance cases or increased protein in urine. By the time BUN and creatinine levels increase, 70-75% of kidney functions are already compromised.

Question 16

Why aren’t aminoglycosides effective against anaerobic bacteria?

Answer 16

Because they must be transported by an oxygen dependent mechanism.

Question 17

Why aren’t aminoglycosides effective against pyogenic infections?

Answer 17

The drug tends to bind to the nucleic acid in cellular debris, so less drug absorbed by bacteria.

Question 18

Why are aminoglycosides safe to use at high doses on the skin but should not be used on denuded areas of the skin (e.g. degloving injuries)?

Answer 18

They are highly absorbed through denuded skin.

Question 19

What makes the cells of renal tubules and the cells of the inner ear susceptible to toxicity from aminoglycoside drugs?

Answer 19

The drug can only leave by passive diffusion

Question 20

Why is attaining a LOW blood concentration of the aminoglycoside drug between doses necessary for safe use of the drug?

Answer 20

because concentration will increase and lead to toxicity.