Betalactam Antibiotics Learning Quiz

The specific learning outcomes include describing the mechanism of action, therapeutic uses, adverse effects and limitations of crystalline penicillin / penicillin G, listing the long acting penicillins with their duration of action and uses, listing different groups of semisynthetic penicillins with examples, advantages over penicillin G and uses, listing and describing the role of betalactamases inhibitors in the treatment of bacterial infections, and listing the different generations of cephalosporins with 2 examples for each and stating their mechanism of action, uses and adverse effects.

The classifications include Penicillins (Penicillin G, Amoxicillin), Cephalosporins (Cephalexin, Cefotaxime), β-lactam antibiotics, Macrolides (Erythromycin, Azithromycin), Aminoglycosides (Streptomycin, Gentamicin), Tetracyclines (Doxycycline, Minocycline), Fluoroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin), and Others (Sulphonamides, Trimethoprim, Rifampicin, Metronidazole).

The different types of β-Lactam antibiotics mentioned are Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Carbapenems, and Monobactams.

The betalactamase enzyme hydrolyses the β-lactam ring in the antibiotic, leading to the inactivation of the antibiotic.

First generation: Cefazolin, Cephalexin - Mechanism of action: Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis; Uses: Treatment of mild-to-moderate infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive organisms; Adverse effects: GI disturbances, allergic reactions. Second generation: Cefuroxime, Cefoxitin - Mechanism of action: Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis; Uses: Treatment of respiratory and urinary tract infections; Adverse effects: Diarrhea, allergic reactions.