Week 2 Antibiotics: DNA + Protein Synthesis ✅ Flashcards
What are the 4 targets for DNA antibiotics?
DNA base synthesis
DNA strand breaking
DNA supercoiling
RNA polymerase
Which group of antibiotics work on DNA base synthesis?
Sulfonamides
Which antibiotics work on DNA strand breaking?
Metronidazole
Which group of antibiotics work on DNA supercoiling?
Quinolones
Which group of antibiotics work on RNA polymerase?
Rifampicin
Which are the 2 most important Sulfonomides to remember?
Trimethoprim and Nitrofurantoin
How does Trimethoprim work?
Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase
What kind of bacteria is Trimethoprim used for?
Broad spec (not Pseudomonas A)
Aerobic +ve staphylococcus, aerobic -ve E. coli, enterobacter, Klebsiella pneumoniae
What conditions can Trimethoprim be used for?
Uncomplicated UTIs e.g. cystitis
Why is Trimethoprim good for UTIs?
Excreted mainly unchanged
What are the adverse effects of Trimethoprim?
GI upset, rash, hyperkalaemia, haematological disorders
How does Nitrofurantoin work?
Damages RNA, DNA and proteins - free radical generated
Why is Nitrofurantoin good for resistance?
Multiple mechanism of action
What condition can Nitrofurantoin be used to treat?
UTIs - broad spec
Which UTI treating antibiotic is a pro drug?
Nitrofurantoin
Which drug is important to remember for DNA strand breaking?
Metronidazole
How does Metronidazole work?
Generates free radical which breaks down DNA
What type of bacteria does Metronidazole treat?
Anaerobic bacteria
What conditions can Metronidazole be used to treat?
GI tract infections, duodenal ulcers, C. diff
Which drug can be used to treat C Diff?
Metronidazole
Which antibiotic can cause C Diff?
Amoxicillin
Why is Metronidazole contraindicated with alcohol?
Metronidazole inhibits acetaldehyde dehydrogenase involved in alcohol metabolism
What symptoms can you get with alcohol and Metronidazole?
Flushing, headache, vomitting
Due to increase of acetaldehyde in body
Which important antibiotics are important to remember for inhibition of unwinding DNA supercoils?
Ciprofloxacin
Levofloxacin
Moxifloxacin
What are fluoroquinolones?
Active against -ve pseudomonas and anthrax
How do Fluoroquinolones work?
Helicase enzymes break H bonds in double helix
Gyrase and topoisomerase enzymes cut DNA strand during replication - INHIBITED
Why are Fluoroquinolones used as 2nd line antibiotics?
Resistance is easier
What bacteria are Fluoroquinolones used for?
Aerobic -ve