Antibiotics and Sedatives Overview

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Questions and Answers

What type of activity do broad-spectrum antibacterials exhibit?

Effective against only Gram-positive organisms.

Effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. (correct)

Only active against resistant bacterial strains.

Exclusive to aerobic organisms.

Which of the following is true regarding narrow-spectrum antibacterials?

They have a limited range and target specific species. (correct)

They can be used universally for all bacterial infections.

They are primarily effective against anaerobic organisms.

They are effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

What is a common side effect associated with antibiotics?

Rapid weight gain.

Improved metabolism.

Gastrointestinal disturbances. (correct)

Increased appetite.

Which statement describes a characteristic of antiviral treatments?

They often modify the host's immune response. Signup and view all the answers

What is one mechanism of action for antifungal drugs?

Disrupting fungal cell membrane integrity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of opioids?

Constipation Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism do benzodiazepines utilize to exert their effects?

Inhibition of GABA via GABA receptors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a strong opiate?

Fentanyl Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary indication for using Beta-Adrenoceptor Agonists in asthma treatment?

Bronchodilation Signup and view all the answers

Which drug class is commonly used for prophylaxis of angina?

Calcium Channel Blockers Signup and view all the answers

What condition can steroids be used to treat aside from autoimmune diseases?

Asthma Signup and view all the answers

Which side effect is associated with the use of long-term steroids?

Oral candidiasis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key action of Nitroglycerin (GTN) in angina treatment?

Reduces preload via vasodilation Signup and view all the answers

Which antibiotic class is known for causing nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity as side effects?

Aminoglycosides Signup and view all the answers

Vancomycin is primarily effective against which type of bacteria?

Gram-positive bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect associated with the use of clindamycin?

Pseudomembranous colitis Signup and view all the answers

Which antibiotic class is contraindicated in pregnancy and can cause cartilage damage?

Fluoroquinolones Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action for tetracyclines?

Inhibition of protein synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What adverse effect should be monitored in patients taking gentamicin?

Ototoxicity Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is vancomycin commonly used to treat?

MRSA infections Signup and view all the answers

Which of these side effects is commonly associated with the use of tetracyclines?

Photosensitivity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Antibiotics

Antibacterials are classified according to their "spectrum of activity" (range of bacterial species susceptible to the agent)
Broad spectrum antibacterials are active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms.
- Examples: Carbapenems, Chloramphenicol, 3rd generation fluoroquinolones, 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation Cephalosporins, tetracyclines
Narrow spectrum antibacterials have limited activity, useful against only particular species of micro-organisms.
- Examples: glycopeptides (effective only against Gram-positive bacteria), Aminoglycosides and sulfonamides (effective only against aerobic organisms)

Sedatives

Benzodiazepines

Examples: Temazepam, Midazolom, Lorazepam, Clonazepam
Mechanism of action: Inhibit the neurotransmitter GABA via GABA receptors
Indications:
- Insomnia/ Sedation
- Anxiety
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Treatment of Seizure
Side Effects (S.E):
- Respiratory depression
- CNS depression
- Dependance

Opiates

Mechanism of Action: Acts on Central opiate receptors
Divided into weak and strong opiates
- Weak opiates: Codiene, Oxycodeine, Dehydrocodiene, Tramadol
- Strong opiates: Morphine, Diamorphine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone
Indications: Mainly used as an Analgesic
S.E:
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Nausea and vomiting
- CNS depression
- Drowsiness
- Respiratory depression

Toxicity:

Pinpoint pupils
Respiratory depression

Drugs Used in Angina

GTN:
- Reduces preload (amount of blood coming to the heart) via vasodilatation
- Causes coronary artery dilatation, increasing oxygen supply to the heart
ASPIRIN:
- NSAID and anti-Platelet
Calcium Channel Blocker:
- Examples: Nefidipine, Amlodipine
- May cause gum hypertrophy
B-Adrenoceptors Antagonists:
- Examples: Atenolol, Metoprolol
- Used as anti-angina
- Used in prophylaxis of angina

Drugs Used in Asthma

B-Adrenoceptors Agonists:
- Salbutamol:
  - Short acting Beta- agonists
  - Dilates bronchi
  - Acts on B-2 receptors
- Salmeterol:
  - Long acting B-2 agonist
Steroids:
- Inhaled steroids: Beclomethasone (usually in a brown inhaler)
- Oral Steroids: Prednisolone

Drugs Used as Immunosuppressants

Examples: STEROIDS, METHOTREXATE, CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE, AZATHIOPRINE, CYCLOSPORINE
Indications:
- Autoimmune diseases: SLE, Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Hypersensitivity: Asthma
- Transplant
S.E: Opportunistic infections (Oral Candidiasis)
Contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding mothers, and children under 18 years due to possible damage to their cartilage

Fluroquinolones

Examples:
- ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
- levofloxacin (Levaquin)

Aminoglycosides

Mechanism:
- Bactericidal
- Inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis
  - Work by binding to the 30s ribosome subunit, leading to the misreading of mRNA
Examples:
- gentamicin, neomycin, amikacin, streptomycin
Toxicity: Nephrotoxicity, Ototoxicity, Neuromuscular blockage

Gentamycin

A bacterial aminoglycoside
Active against Gram-negative organisms
Topical usage in ear infections
S.E: Dose related ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity, therefore levels should be monitored
Dose = 3-5mg/kg divided in 3 doses every 8 hours

Vancomycin

Coverage:
- Gram-positive bacteria
- Bactericidal
Mechanism:
- Inhibitor of cell wall synthesis
Indications for use:
- Serious allergies to penicillins or beta-lactam antimicrobials
- Serious infections caused by susceptible organisms resistant to penicillins (MRSA, MRSE)
- Pseudomembraneous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile
S.E: Nephrotoxicity, Ototoxicity
Used in:
- Antibiotic induced colitis (125 mg QDS 10 days PO)
- Prophylaxis of patients at high risk from infective endocarditis
S.E: Ototoxicity, Nephrotoxicity, Phlebitis at the site of infusion, Red man’s syndrome

Clindamycin

Bacteriostatic, inhibits 50S ribosomal subunit
Clinical Use: Anaerobe infections e.g oral infections
S.E: Commonly associated with pseudomembranous colitis (Clostridium difficile, fever, diarrhoea)
Used in:
- Staphylococcal osteomyelitis in conjunction with metronidazole (inhibits clostridium difficile)
Dose:
- Adult: 150 mg 500mg every 6 hrs
- Child: 3-6 mg/ kg every 6 hours
Replaces erythromycin for single dose prophylaxis of infective endocarditis

Tetracyclines

Mechanism: Bacteriostatic, inhibits protein synthesis
Examples: doxycycline, tetracycline
Causes GI upset
Broad spectrum antibiotic may be used in periodontal disease
Used topically for the treatment of apthae
Results in opportunistic infection with Candida albicans
Deposits in bone & teeth causing staining and hypoplasia (discoloration of the teeth and inhibition of bone growth in children)
Photosensitivity

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Description

This quiz covers essential information on antibiotics, focusing on the classification of antibacterials based on their spectrum of activity, including broad and narrow spectrum definitions. It also explores sedatives such as benzodiazepines, detailing their mechanisms of action, indications, and potential side effects.