Major Classes of Antibiotics Flashcards

Study Notes

Sulfonamides "Sulfa Drugs"

Treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), otitis media, and ulcerative colitis.
Effective for lower respiratory infections and prophylaxis in Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in immunocompromised patients.
Important to avoid sunlight and alcohol, while ensuring adequate fluid intake.
Common side effects include rash, nausea, drug fever, vomiting, jaundice, kidney damage, and blood complications.

Penicillins

Indicated for abscesses, beta-hemolytic streptococcus, meningitis, otitis media, and pneumonia.
Used in respiratory infections, strep throat, tooth and gum infections, sexually transmitted diseases (syphilis and gonorrhea), and endocarditis due to streptococci.
Should be taken on an empty stomach and avoided with fruit juices and colas.
Alert pharmacists if patients allergic to penicillin receive cephalosporin.

Penicillin Drugs

Include amoxicillin (Amoxil), ampicillin (Principen), penicillin G, and penicillin V (Veetids).

Sulfonamides Drugs

Key agents include sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), and sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin).
Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid, Macrodantin) is related.

Penicillinase-Resistant Penicillins

Target gram-positive aerobes.
Key drugs: dicloxacillin (Dycil), nafcillin (Unipen), oxacillin.

Extended-Spectrum Penicillins

More resistant to gram-negative bacteria.
Important drugs include carbenicillin (Geocillin), piperacillin, and ticarcillin (Ticar).

Resistant Penicillins & Penicillin Combinations

Combination drugs: amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin), ampicillin-sulbactam (Unasyn), piperacillin-tazobactam (Zosyn), ticarcillin-clavulanate (Timentin).

Side Effects of Penicillins and Cephalosporins

Common side effects include diarrhea and allergic reactions in 7% to 10% of the population.

Cephalosporins

Have a mechanism of action similar to penicillins.
Approximately 1% chance of cross-reactivity in patients allergic to penicillin.

First-Generation Cephalosporins

Greater gram-negative coverage compared to penicillinase-resistant penicillins.
Indicated for community-acquired infections and mild to moderate infections.
Key drugs: cefadroxil (Duricef), cefazolin (Ancef), cephalexin (Keflex).

Second-Generation Cephalosporins

Enhanced activity against Haemophilus influenzae.
Used for otitis media in children, respiratory infections, and UTIs.
Key drugs: cefaclor (Ceclor), cefprozil (Cefzil), cefuroxime (Ceftin).

Third-Generation Cephalosporins

Active against wide spectra of gram-negative organisms and may allow once-a-day dosing.
Indicated for ambulatory patients and children.
Key drugs: ceftazidime (Fortaz), ceftibuten (Cedax), ceftriaxone (Rocephin).

Fourth-Generation Cephalosporins

Provide broad-spectrum coverage.
Indicated for pneumonia, UTIs, and sepsis.
Key drug: cefepime (Maxipime).

Carbapenems

Includes ertapenem (Invanz), imipenem-cilastatin (Primaxin), and meropenem (Merrem I.V.).

Carbacephem

Contains doripenem (Doribax) and loracarbef (Lorabid).

Tetracyclines

Broad-spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotics inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria.
Used for acne, anthrax, chronic bronchitis, Lyme disease, rickettsia infections, and certain STDs like Chlamydia.
Common side effects: gastrointestinal upset and nausea.
Caution advised against antacids, photosensitivity, and use in pregnant women/children under 9 years old.

Tetracyclines Drugs

Include demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin), minocycline (Minocin), and tetracycline (Sumycin).

Tigecycline

A new class called glycylcycline.
Similar action to tetracyclines.
Used for skin infections and intra-abdominal infections.

Macrolides

Inhibit protein synthesis by binding to ribosomes.
Primarily treat pulmonary infections.
Effective against Chlamydia, group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, H. influenzae, Legionnaires' disease, M. pneumoniae, and S. pneumoniae.
Generally taken on an empty stomach; some forms require specific administration instructions.

Description

This quiz covers key information about various classes of antibiotics, including sulfonamides and penicillins. Each flashcard provides definitions, uses, side effects, and precautions associated with these medications. Perfect for students studying pharmacology or medicine.

Major Classes of Antibiotics Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What are the indications for Sulfonamides?

What are common side effects of Sulfonamides?

Which of the following conditions can Penicillins treat?

Penicillinase-Resistant Penicillins work against gram-positive aerobes.

Name one example of an Extended-Spectrum Penicillin.

What is a common side effect of Penicillins?

What conditions do First-Generation Cephalosporins treat?

What is a key feature of Third-Generation Cephalosporins?

List one example of a Tetracycline.

Tetracyclines require avoiding antacids due to chelation with minerals.

What is Tigecycline primarily used for?

What are common uses for Macrolides?