13 Questions
What is the primary reason why cephalosporins are more resistant to bacterial degradation compared to penicillins?
Enhanced β-lactamase resistance
What is the primary mechanism of action of penicillins?
Disrupting bacterial cell wall formation
What is the primary source of cephalosporins?
Streptomyces
What type of bacteria are basic penicillins effective against?
Gram-positive bacteria
What is the typical administration route for cephalosporins due to their fast degradation rate?
Parenteral administration
What is a common use of penicillins in treatment?
Meningococcal meningitis treatment
What is a common complication associated with cephalosporin use?
Acute kidney injury (AKI)
Who is credited with the discovery of penicillins?
Alexander Fleming
Why is penicillin G benzathine not administered orally?
It is not absorbed from the gut
What is a unique characteristic of basic penicillins?
Excellent penetration into the meninges
What is the primary indication for using penicillin G benzathine?
Managing group A beta-hemolytic streptococci carrier state
What is the primary advantage of using penicillin G procaine?
Sustained release
What is the preferred route of administration for sensitive infections requiring penicillin?
Intravenous infusion
Study Notes
Cephalosporins
- Cephalosporins are a type of β-lactam antibiotics.
- They are more resistant to bacterial penicillinases that inactivate β-lactamatus compared to penicillins.
- Cephalosporins are more effective against staphylococci than penicillins.
- They are derived from Streptomyces and are manufactured as semisynthetic.
- Due to fast pharmaceutical degradation, cephalosporins are administered parenterally (via injection or infusion).
Administration and Elimination
- Cephalosporins are eliminated in the kidneys.
- Dose adjustment is required in moderate to severe renal impairment.
- The risk of drug-induced AKI (acute kidney injury) is a limiting factor in the use of cephalosporins.
Penicillins
- Penicillin G benzathine is not water-soluble but dissolves in gastric juices, releasing slowly from the site of injection.
- It allows for a weekly dosing regimen and is used to treat the carrier state of groups A beta-hemolytic streptococci.
- Penicillin G procaine is given by intramuscular injection and is rapidly absorbed, but inactivated by hydrolysis.
- Penicillins are used to treat both ambulatory-acquired and nosocomial infections, including community-acquired pneumonia, acute maxillary sepsis, and others.
Penicillin Characteristics
- Penicillins are effective against bacterial cell walls.
- Basic penicillins include penicillin G and penicillin V, which are effective against Gram-positive bacteria.
- They have excellent penetration into the meninges and are useful in treating meningococcal and pneumococcal infections.
- Penicillins are relatively resistant to hydrolysis.
Compare and contrast cephalosporins and penicillins, two types of β-lactam antibiotics, including their differences in resistance to bacterial enzymes and effectiveness against various bacterial strains.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
