Pharma Week 6: Antivirals, Antifungals & Antibiotics

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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic feature of yeasts?

They can exist in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

They are unicellular organisms. (correct)

They reproduce through spore formation.

They possess extensive branching filaments.

Which of the following is the area affected of a systemic mycotic infection?

Athlete's foot - skin

Vaginal tissue

Blood and internal organs (correct)

hair

What type of antifungal drug is amphotericin B?

Polyene systemic drug (correct)

Topical agent

Herbal remedy

Triazole systemic drug

What is a common cause of vaginal candidiasis?

Hormonal changes during pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics specifically applies to molds?

They have branching filaments known as hyphae. Signup and view all the answers

Which group of individuals is particularly at risk for systemic mycotic infections?

Immunocompromised patients Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method of reproduction for yeasts?

Budding Signup and view all the answers

Which antifungal drug would be considered topical?

Nystatin Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of cephalosporins on bacterial cells?

Disrupt cell wall synthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which antibiotic class has the broadest spectrum?

Carbapenems Signup and view all the answers

What potential side effect is associated with the use of carbapenems?

Risk of seizures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be a contraindication when prescribing cefazolin?

Renal impairment Signup and view all the answers

What is a common adverse effect of antibiotics affecting the gastrointestinal system?

Diarrhea Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action for sulfonamides?

Inhibits bacterial growth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a common side effect associated with penicillins?

Photosensitivity reactions Signup and view all the answers

Which bacteria are primarily targeted by penicillins?

Gram-positive bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of using penicillins in someone with a known penicillin allergy?

Cross-reactivity with other antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

What is a specific issue related to the use of sulfonamides in infants less than 2 months old?

Allergic reactions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about sulfonamides is false?

They are safe for all age groups. Signup and view all the answers

What common interaction should be considered when prescribing penicillins?

Interaction with oral contraceptives Signup and view all the answers

Which condition can increase the risk of hematological problems when using sulfonamides?

Pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action for antibiotics that inhibit cell wall synthesis?

Cause bacterial lysis Signup and view all the answers

Which antibiotic class is indicated for infections caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria?

Penicillins Signup and view all the answers

What suffix is commonly associated with cephalosporins?

-cef or -ceph Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the use for Clindamycin (Dalacin C)?

Chronic bone infections Signup and view all the answers

What is a common example of a penicillin antibiotic?

Amoxicillin Signup and view all the answers

The mnemonic 'Please Come Catch My Tiger And Save my Friends' helps to remember what?

Different antibiotic classes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following antibiotics is classified as a cephalosporin?

Cefuroxime Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of protein synthesis inhibitors among antibiotics?

Interfere with bacterial growth Signup and view all the answers

What cellular process is disrupted by aminoglycosides?

Cell wall synthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bacteria are aminoglycosides most effective against?

Gram-negative bacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect associated with gentamicin?

Nephrotoxicity Signup and view all the answers

Which condition are fluoroquinolones especially known for treating?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential serious side effect of fluoroquinolones?

Tendonitis or rupture Signup and view all the answers

Fluoroquinolones have good oral absorption due to their affinity to which type of tissue?

Connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is true about aminoglycosides?

Effective against serious infections Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism do fluoroquinolones use to kill bacterial cells?

DNA alteration Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mycotic Infections

Mycotic infections are caused by fungi
Fungi can be single-celled (yeasts) or multicellular (molds)
Yeasts reproduce by budding
Molds have branching filaments called hyphae
Common mycotic infection is vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection) which is common in pregnant women, women with diabetes, and women using oral contraceptives.
Candida albicans is the most common cause of vaginal candidiasis

### Antifungal Drugs

Two types of antifungal drugs: systemic and topical
Systemic drugs are used to treat serious infections and are given intravenously, orally or intramuscularly
Topical drugs are used to treat skin and nail infections and are applied directly to the affected area
Examples of systemic antifungal drugs include amphotericin B, fluconazole, and itraconazole
Examples of topical antifungal drugs include nystatin and clotrimazole

### Sulfonamides

Sulfonamides (also known as 'sulfa' drugs) are a class of antibiotics that inhibit bacterial growth.
They are used to treat various infections including UTIs.
Common side effects include allergies, allergic reactions, hematological issues, photosensitivity, and GI issues.
Sulfonamides are not recommended for pregnancy, infants < 2 months old, and patients with severe allergic reactions.
Common sulfonamide combinations include Septra (Sulfamethoxazole/ Trimethoprim)

### Penicillins

Penicillins are a class of antibiotics that disrupt bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to bacterial lysis (bursting).
They are effective against gram-positive bacteria, but some strains can be resistant.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and allergic reactions.
Penicillins can interact with oral contraceptives.
Common penicillins include Penicillin G, V, Amoxicillin, Piperacillin.

### Cephalosporins

Cephalosporins are a class of antibiotics that are similar to the penicillins, disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis.
They are used for a wide range of infections, including skin infections, surgical prophylaxis, and UTIs.
There are 5 generations of cephalosporins, with each possessing a different spectrum of activity against bacteria.
Common side effects include mild diarrhea, abdominal cramps, rash, and allergic reactions.
There is a potential cross-reactivity with penicillins.
Cephalosporins can interact with oral contraceptives.
Common cephalosporins include Cefazolin, Cefuroxime, Ceftriaxone.

### Carbapenems

Carbapenems are a class of antibiotics that have the broadest spectrum of activity against bacteria.
They are used for complicated infections, particularly in hospitalized patients.
Common side effects include mild toxicity and seizures.
Seizures can occur with inappropriate dosage.
Common carbapenem include Meropenem

### Aminoglycosides

Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics that disrupt bacterial cell wall synthesis.
They are highly effective against gram-negative bacteria and are used for serious infections.
Common side effects include nephrotoxicity (check creatinine levels) and ototoxicity.
Common aminoglycosides include Gentamicin, Streptomycin, Amikacin

### Fluoroquinolones

Fluoroquinolones are a class of antibiotics that alter bacterial DNA causing cell death
Commonly used to treat UTIs, respiratory infections, and other infections.
Common side effects include photosensitivity, tendonitis or rupture, and GI issues.
Due to their broad spectrum of activity, fluoroquinolones are often used orally.
Common fluoroquinolones include Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin

### Miscellaneous Antibiotics

Miscellaneous antibiotics are a diverse group of drugs that act through different mechanisms, targeting various aspects of bacterial metabolism.
Common side effects vary by drug and include GI issues, allergies, and allergic reactions.
Common miscellaneous antibiotics: Clindamycin, Metronidazole, Nitrofurantoin, Vancomycin

Antibiotic Mnemonic

A useful mnemonic to remember the major classes of antibiotics is “Please Come Catch My Tiger And Save my Friends"
This relates to the antibiotic classes as follows:
- Please = Penicillins
- Come = Cephalosporins
- Catch = Carbapenems
- My = Macrolides
- Tiger = Tetracyclines
- And = Aminoglycosides
- Save = Sulfonamides
- My = Miscellaneous
- Friends = Fluoroquinolones

Key terms

"Synthesis" in the context of antibiotics refers to the building of a bacterial cell's components.
"Bacterial Lysis" refers to the bursting or disintegration of a bacterial cell.
"Spectrum of Activity" refers to a drug's effectiveness against different types of bacteria, with a broad spectrum indicating effectiveness against a wide range of bacteria.

### Penicillins and Cephalosporins

Both classes inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis
Both can commonly cause allergic reactions and interact with oral contraceptives.