Antibiotic & Anti-Infective Drugs Overview

Drugs that directly kill bacteria at achievable concentrations.

Drugs that slow down the growth of bacteria but don't kill them directly.

The ability of bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics over time, making the drugs less effective.

Reducing the amount of antibiotic reaching its target in the body. This can happen due to changes in absorption, distribution, or elimination.

Inactivating the antibiotic by altering its structure or making it less effective.

Changing the target that the antibiotic binds to, preventing it from working effectively.

Producing substances that counteract the action of the antibiotic.

The use of antibiotics promotes resistance because they create an environment where resistant bacteria thrive.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are more likely to promote resistance because they target a wider range of bacteria, including those that might be beneficial.

The more antibiotics are used, the faster resistance develops.

A new infection that arises during the treatment of a primary infection, often caused by bacteria that are resistant to the antibiotic used.

Identifying the specific bacteria causing an infection.

Testing the antibiotic's effectiveness against the identified organism.

Considering patient factors like infection site, genetics, and allergies to choose the appropriate antibiotic.

Antibiotics must be present at the infection site for a long enough time to be effective.

A class of antibiotics known for their ability to weaken the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell rupture and death. They are particularly effective against bacteria actively growing and dividing.

A group of antibiotics derived from the penicillin family, but they have an additional component that makes them resistant to breakdown by the bacterial enzyme penicillinase.

A common side effect of penicillin antibiotics, characterized by an itchy rash.

A common side effect of penicillin antibiotics, involving loose and watery stools.

A serious condition that can develop with prolonged use of antibiotics, characterized by severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea, often caused by the overgrowth of Clostridium difficile bacteria.

A class of antibiotics that are commonly used to treat otitis media, a middle ear infection. They are also commonly prescribed for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

A combination antibiotic including amoxicillin and clavulanate, commonly used for otitis media and other infections. It provides broader coverage and is effective against resistant bacteria.

A type of antibiotic that interferes with the bacterial cell wall, causing the cell to burst and die. This class includes penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics.

A type of antibiotic that prevents bacteria from growing and multiplying. This class includes macrolides and tetracyclines.

A class of antibiotics commonly used for severe infections, particularly those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. They are known for their broad spectrum of activity.

Inhibits cell wall synthesis, leading to a bacteriostatic effect.

Treats severe infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA, Staphylococcus epidermidis, C. difficile, and others.

A life-threatening reaction caused by the rapid infusion of vancomycin, characterized by flushing, redness, swelling, fever, and possibly hypotension.

A broad-spectrum antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis, resulting in bacteriostatic activity.

Used to treat a wide range of infections, including acne, peptic ulcer disease, periodontal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme disease, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, anthrax, and others.

A common adverse effect of tetracyclines that can cause tooth discoloration and bone problems in children.

Vancomycin's therapeutic range is typically between 10-20 mcg/mL, and levels should be checked regularly, especially before the 4th dose.

Tetracyclines can interact with other medications, including iron supplements, antacids, and oral contraceptives. They should be taken with caution in patients with renal impairment.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) affecting the bladder and urethra. It's often treated with nitrofurantoin.

Nitrofurantoin is used to prevent UTIs from recurring in patients with a history of frequent infections.

Nitrofurantoin can cause damage to the liver, a serious side effect that needs to be monitored.

Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is often used intravenously in severe infections.

Patients taking fluoroquinolones should report any tendon pain or problems immediately to their doctor, as this could be a sign of a serious side effect.

A type of antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis, used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

Doxycycline is used to treat infections caused by bacteria like H. pylori, while Minocycline is used for conditions like Rickettsial infections.

A broad-spectrum antibiotic that specifically targets the H. pylori bacteria.

This antibiotic class commonly causes adverse GI effects, like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea .

This antibiotic class can interact with a variety of drugs and supplements, including calcium supplements, milk products, iron supplements, magnesium-containing laxatives, and most antacids.

Clindamycin should be immediately discontinued, and the healthcare provider notified, if a patient develops a serious GI infection like C. difficile colitis associated with its use.

These antibiotics are known to cause a variety of adverse effects, including GI irritation, effects on bone and teeth, superinfection, hepatotoxicity, renal toxicity, and photosensitivity.

A class of antibiotics that disrupt bacterial protein synthesis. Examples include Gentamicin and Amikacin.

A serious side effect of aminoglycosides, characterized by damage to the kidneys.

A serious side effect of aminoglycosides, characterized by damage to the inner ear, leading to hearing loss or balance problems.

A class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that inhibit the synthesis of tetrahydrofolic acid, a derivative of folic acid, which is essential for bacterial growth. Examples include Sulfadiazine and Sulfamethoxazole.

A serious side effect of sulfonamides characterized by a severe skin reaction that can cause blisters and skin shedding, sometimes fatal.

A serious side effect of sulfonamides leading to jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes.

A lower urinary tract infection that commonly affects women of childbearing age.

A serious kidney infection that often presents with fever, chills, and pain in the back or side.

Inflammation of the prostate gland caused by bacterial infection, commonly presenting with fever, chills, and urinary symptoms.

A combination antibiotic drug that combines trimethoprim (TMP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) to inhibit bacterial folic acid synthesis. Commonly used for urinary tract infections, ear infections, and pneumonia.