Pharmacology of Antibiotics and Tuberculosis
48 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes a broad-spectrum antibiotic?

  • Effective mainly against Gram-positive bacteria.
  • Effective against a single type of bacteria.
  • Effective against a wide range of microbial species. (correct)
  • Only effective when administered intravenously.
  • What is the primary mechanism of action for penicillin antibiotics?

  • Inhibition of DNA replication.
  • Disruption of the cell membrane.
  • Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. (correct)
  • Inhibition of protein synthesis.
  • Which of the following is a common adverse effect of penicillin antibiotics?

  • Increased blood glucose.
  • Hypersensitivity reactions. (correct)
  • Hearing loss
  • Liver failure
  • What is the function of β-lactamase enzymes in bacterial resistance?

    <p>They hydrolyze the β-lactam ring of the antibiotic. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a β-lactamase inhibitor combination?

    <p>Augmentin (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which penicillin is commonly employed for oral infections due to its acid stability?

    <p>Penicillin V (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a sign or symptom of Hypersensitivity to penicillin?

    <p>Hypertension (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are Cephalosporins related to Penicillins?

    <p>They are structurally and functionally closely related. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common adverse effect associated with fluoroquinolone administration?

    <p>Photosensitivity reaction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for using multiple drug therapy in the treatment of tuberculosis?

    <p>To delay or prevent the emergence of resistant strains (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are mycobacteria described as 'acid-fast'?

    <p>They retain their stain even in the presence of destaining agents. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is considered a 'first-line' drug in the treatment of tuberculosis?

    <p>Isoniazid (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which specific enzyme is targeted by isoniazid (INH) in mycobacteria?

    <p>Enzyme responsible for assembling mycolic acids (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a notable characteristic of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that makes it difficult to stain?

    <p>The presence of an outer coat of mycolic acid. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical duration of treatment for tuberculosis, particularly if caused by a resistant organism?

    <p>Up to 2 years (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for a reaction caused by overexposure to UV light after taking certain medication, such as some fluoroquinolones?

    <p>Photosensitivity reaction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which medication is commonly given as prophylaxis to individuals in close contact with tuberculosis patients, especially children?

    <p>Isoniazid (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which vitamin can correct the peripheral neuritis adverse effect caused by isoniazid?

    <p>Vitamin B6 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common adverse effect of rifampin?

    <p>Nausea and vomiting (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is another name for leprosy?

    <p>Hansen's disease (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which bacteria causes leprosy?

    <p>Mycobacterium leprae (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common adverse effect of clofazimine?

    <p>Blurred vision (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following medications used to treat leprosy is contraindicated during lactation?

    <p>Dapsone (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition, besides leprosy, is dapsone used to treat?

    <p>Dermatitis herpetiformis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it typically better to treat smaller tumors with chemotherapy?

    <p>Smaller tumors have fewer resting cells that are insensitive to chemotherapy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common side effect of cytotoxic drugs due to their effect on bone marrow?

    <p>Suppression of white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What immediate action should be taken if extravasation occurs during the administration of a cytotoxic drug?

    <p>Immediately stop the infusion and remove the needle. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which side effect is most associated with Doxorubicin, Vinblastine, Epirubicin, and Vincristine?

    <p>Extravasation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A patient undergoing chemotherapy experiences hair loss. What is the most accurate statement?

    <p>Hair loss is generally reversible and patients should be warned about it before therapy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to check blood counts prior to each chemotherapy treatment?

    <p>To ensure the patient has an adequate amount of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should cytotoxic drugs generally not be administered during pregnancy?

    <p>Most cytotoxic drugs are teratogenic and can cause fetal abnormalities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term defines the body's capacity to identify and resist harmful microorganisms?

    <p>Immunity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common adverse effect of cephalosporins that can indicate a serious condition?

    <p>Hypersensitivity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an adverse effect of cephalosporins?

    <p>Flushing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for classifying cephalosporins into generations?

    <p>Bacterial susceptibility patterns (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is specifically associated with a potential superinfection from cephalosporins?

    <p>Pseudomembranous colitis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect can rapid intravenous administration of vancomycin cause?

    <p>Red man syndrome (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which drug is primarily used topically due to its nephrotoxicity?

    <p>Bacitracin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which antibiotic is known for its activity against a wide variety of gram-positive organisms?

    <p>Bacitracin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes tetracyclines from other antibiotics?

    <p>Affect on bacterial ribosomes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which suffix indicates that an aminoglycoside is derived from Streptomyces?

    <p>mycin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aminoglycoside is specifically used for bowel preparation before surgery?

    <p>Neomycin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common adverse effect associated with aminoglycosides?

    <p>Proteinuria (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Neurotoxicity from aminoglycosides may present with which of the following symptoms?

    <p>Peripheral paresthesia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a bacteriostatic or bactericidal drug?

    <p>Erythromycin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major risk is associated with hearing loss due to aminoglycosides?

    <p>It is most often permanent. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aminoglycoside is used to manage elevated blood ammonia levels in hepatic coma?

    <p>Neomycin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common gastrointestinal side effect of macrolides like azithromycin?

    <p>Diarrhea (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Beta-Lactam Antibiotics

    A group of antibiotics that inhibit the synthesis of bacterial cell walls and are considered bactericidal. They are effective against a wide range of bacteria.

    Penicillins

    A type of beta-lactam antibiotic with four main groups: natural penicillins, penicillinase-resistant penicillins, aminopenicillins, and extended-spectrum penicillins.

    Penicillin G

    A natural penicillin susceptible to inactivation by β-lactamases enzymes, which hydrolyzes the β-lactam ring.

    Penicillin V

    A penicillin more acid stable than penicillin G, often used for oral infections.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Amoxicillin

    A broad-spectrum penicillin used for various infections, including sinusitis, otitis media, UTIs, and meningitis.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cephalosporins

    A beta-lactam antibiotic class closely related in structure and function to penicillin.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Lactamase Inhibitor Combinations

    Combinations of a beta-lactam antibiotic with a lactamase inhibitor, to overcome bacterial resistance.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Augmentin

    A combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Third-Generation Cephalosporins

    These are the most recent cephalosporins and are characterized by their broad-spectrum activity and resistance to most β-lactamases.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Second-Generation Cephalosporins

    These cephalosporins have an intermediate spectrum of activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    First-Generation Cephalosporins

    These cephalosporins are effective against gram-positive bacteria, such as staphylococci and streptococci.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

    A life-threatening skin reaction involving fever, blistering, and peeling of skin. It can develop as a severe allergic reaction to certain medications like cephalosporins.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cross-Sensitivity Reaction

    A drug causing an allergic reaction in a patient who is allergic to penicillin. This is due to the structural similarity between cephalosporins and penicillin.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Red Man Syndrome

    A severe, potentially life-threatening adverse reaction caused by rapid IV infusion of vancomycin. It manifests as flushing, redness, and low blood pressure.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Protein Synthesis Inhibitors

    A type of antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to the bacterial ribosome, effectively preventing protein synthesis.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Tetracyclines

    Group of antibiotics known for their broad-spectrum activity against various bacteria. They work by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Aminoglycosides: What are they?

    Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics that effectively target gram-negative bacteria. They are typically used for serious infections like endocarditis and brucellosis.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Aminoglycoside Naming Conventions

    Drugs derived from Streptomyces end in 'mycin', while those from Micromonospora end in 'micin'.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Oral Aminoglycosides: Absorption

    Aminoglycosides are poorly absorbed orally, making them ideal for targeting gut bacteria.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Aminoglycosides for Bowel Prep

    Kanamycin and neomycin are used as oral pre-operative agents to decrease intestinal bacteria before surgery (bowel prep).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Aminoglycosides for Hepatic Coma

    Oral aminoglycosides can help manage hepatic coma by reducing ammonia-forming bacteria in the intestines.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Potential Side Effects of Aminoglycosides

    Aminoglycosides can cause kidney damage (nephrotoxicity) and damage to the inner ear (ototoxicity).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Signs of Nephrotoxicity

    Signs of nephrotoxicity include protein in the urine, blood in the urine, elevated blood urea nitrogen, decreased urine output, and increased serum creatinine.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Signs of Ototoxicity

    Signs of ototoxicity include ringing in the ears, dizziness, balance issues, and hearing loss (often permanent).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD)

    The maximum dose of a cytotoxic drug that a patient can tolerate without severe side effects.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Extravasation

    The leakage of cytotoxic drugs into surrounding tissues, causing damage and necrosis.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Bone Marrow Suppression

    The decrease in the production of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets due to cytotoxic drugs.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hyperuricemia

    The build-up of uric acid crystals in the body, often caused by chemotherapy.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Immunity

    The ability of the body to identify and resist harmful microorganisms through specialized defense mechanisms.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Immunology

    The study of the specific mechanisms by which the body defends itself against foreign biological materials.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Resistance

    The ability of the immune system to eliminate or neutralize foreign invaders.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Defense System

    The ability of the body to fight off infections and prevent tissue damage.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Photosensitivity reaction

    A type of adverse reaction to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, especially lomefloxacin and sparfloxacin, where the skin becomes unusually sensitive to sunlight, leading to exaggerated sunburn.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Tuberculosis

    A major global health problem caused by the mycobacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, affecting over 8 million people annually.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Mycolic acid coat

    The outer layer of the mycobacterium, composed of mycolic acid, responsible for their acid-fast staining properties. It's a waxy, hydrophobic layer that makes the bacteria difficult to stain and resistant to disinfectants.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Duration of tuberculosis treatment

    Because of the slow growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, treatment for tuberculosis can be long-term, up to 2 years, especially when resistant strains are involved.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Multidrug therapy for tuberculosis

    Treating tuberculosis with multiple drugs simultaneously to prevent the emergence of resistant strains.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    First-line tuberculosis drugs

    First-line drugs for tuberculosis treatment, like Isoniazid, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol, and Streptomycin. These drugs are effective and have acceptable levels of toxicity.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Isoniazid (INH)

    A drug used to treat tuberculosis that targets the enzyme responsible for assembling mycolic acid into the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It's bactericidal, meaning it kills the bacteria.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB)

    The emergence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains resistant to multiple drugs due to factors like poor patient compliance, leading to an urgent need for alternative second-line drugs.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Isoniazid for Tuberculosis Prophylaxis

    A drug given as prophylaxis to individuals in close contact with a tuberculosis patient, especially children. It helps prevent the development of active TB. It is not used to treat active TB.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Rifampin for Tuberculosis Treatment

    This drug is frequently used to treat tuberculosis, but not as a single agent. It has a broader spectrum of activity than isoniazid, meaning it targets a wider range of bacteria.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What is Leprosy?

    A chronic, contagious disease spread through prolonged, close contact with an infected person. It affects the peripheral nerves and skin, causing lesions.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Clofazimine for Leprosy Treatment

    A drug used to treat leprosy. It is primarily bactericidal against Mycobacterium leprae. It is used cautiously in pregnant and breastfeeding women, and can sometimes cause skin pigmentation.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Dapsone for Leprosy Treatment

    Another drug used to treat leprosy. It is bactericidal and bacteriostatic against M. leprae. It is also used to treat certain skin conditions.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Peripheral Neuritis with Isoniazid

    A side effect of isoniazid that can occur, causing numbness and tingling in the extremities. This is caused by vitamin B6 deficiency.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Pigmentation with Clofazimine

    A side effect of clofazimine that causes darkening of the skin, especially in patients with darker skin tones. It is often temporary and resolves after discontinuation of the drug.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hemolysis with Dapsone

    A serious side effect of dapsone that can occur. It involves the breakdown of red blood cells and can lead to anemia. It is often seen in patients with pre-existing conditions that affect red blood cell production.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Anti-Infective Agents

    • Anti-infective agents treat infections by suppressing or destroying causative microorganisms (bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, protozoa, or viruses).
    • Antimicrobial agents are synthetic chemical substances that can kill or suppress the growth of microorganisms.
    • Antibiotics are soluble compounds derived from microorganisms that inhibit the growth of other microorganisms.

    Community-Acquired Versus Nosocomial Infections

    • Infections are categorized as community-acquired or hospital-acquired (nosocomial).
    • Microbial environments differ between these two types, leading to different etiologies and requiring different antimicrobial drugs.
    • Community-acquired infections are typically less severe and easier to treat.
    • Nosocomial infections can be more severe and difficult to manage due to drug-resistant microorganisms and impaired resistance to disease in patients.
    • Drug-resistant strains of staphylococci, Pseudomonas, and Proteus are common causes of nosocomial infections.

    Antibiotic-Resistant Microorganisms

    • Widespread use of antimicrobial drugs, particularly broad-spectrum agents.
    • Interrupted or inadequate antimicrobial treatment of infections.
    • Type of bacteria.
    • Type of infection.
    • Specific condition of the host.
    • Location or setting.

    Rational Use of Antimicrobial Drugs

    • Avoid broad-spectrum antibiotics for trivial or viral infections; use narrow-spectrum agents when appropriate.
    • Administer antibiotics only when a significant bacterial infection is diagnosed or suspected, or when prophylaxis is indicated.
    • Avoid using antibiotics for viral infections.
    • Minimize use for fever unless other clinical signs or lab data suggest infection.
    • Implement interventions to reduce microbial proliferation (universal precautions, medical isolation, handwashing, and preoperative prep).

    Initial, Empiric Therapy

    • Laboratory tests to confirm causative organisms and susceptibility to antibiotics take 48-72 hours.
    • Physicians typically prescribe a likely effective drug based on the most probable pathogen from client signs and symptoms and infection site.
    • A single broad-spectrum antibiotic or a combination of drugs is often chosen.

    Culture and Susceptibility Studies

    • The figure depicts the disk diffusion method for determining bacterial susceptibility to antimicrobial agents.
    • Bacteria that are susceptible show a zone of inhibition around the antibiotic-containing disks.
    • Bacteria resistant to a drug show no zone of inhibition around the disk.

    Anti-Infective Agent Use

    • Anti-infective agents should be used only when a significant infection is diagnosed or suspected, or when prophylaxis is indicated.

    Prophylactic Antibiotic Use

    • Prevention of streptococcal infections in patients with rheumatic heart disease.
    • Pretreatment of patients undergoing dental extractions to prevent prosthesis seeding.
    • Preventing infections during procedures like bowel surgery, joint replacement, and some gynecological interventions.
    • Treating HIV-infected pregnant women with zidovudine to protect the fetus.
    • Prevention of tuberculosis or meningitis in individuals in close contact with infected patients.

    Antimicrobial Drugs Classification

    • Antimicrobial drugs are classified as bacteriostatic or bactericidal.
    • Bacteriostatic drugs arrest bacteria growth/replication, allowing the body's immune system to eliminate the pathogen.
    • Bactericidal agents kill bacteria, reducing their total count.
    • Classification can be too simplistic as some antibiotics may be bacteriostatic for one organism and bactericidal for another.
    • Antibiotics can be classified based on their mode of action (e.g., targeting cell membranes, protein synthesis, or nucleic acids).

    Classification of Antimicrobial Agents by Sites of Action

    • The diagram provides a visual representation of various antimicrobial agents and their targets within a bacterial cell.
    • Several distinct targets are depicted for different classes of antimicrobials, including inhibitors of cell wall, protein, and nucleic acid synthesis, as well as metabolism.
    • Agents' sites of action are targeted to inhibit the growth and replication of microorganisms or kill them directly.

    Chemotherapeutic Spectra

    • The chemotherapeutic spectrum describes the range of organisms affected by a drug.
    • Narrow spectrum drugs target a limited group of microorganisms.
    • Extended spectrum drugs are effective against a wider variety of organisms, including Gram-positive and negative bacteria.
    • Broad spectrum drugs target a wide variety of microorganisms.

    Medically Important Microorganisms

    • The figure displays a pie chart that illustrates the prevalence of different medically important microorganisms.
    • The figure also presents a pie chart illustrating the effect of a broad-spectrum antibiotic on different medically important microorganisms.

    Agents Used for Bacterial Infections

    • The summarized information depicts inhibitors of cell wall synthesis, including numerous antibiotics and categories (Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Carbapenems, and Monobactams).
    • The table provides examples, classifications, and common uses of these drugs.

    Beta-Lactam Antibiotics

    • Penicillin derivatives (Penicillin G, V, Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, Pivampicillin) are classified into groups based on their properties, including the natural penicillin group, penicillinase-resistant penicillins, aminopenicillins, and extended-spectrum penicillins.
    • These drugs generally inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis and exhibit bactericidal effects.
    • The effects of penicillin may be influenced by susceptibility to β-lactamases and acid resistance levels.
    • Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin frequently used for treating infections of the sinuses, otitis media, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and meningitis.

    Adverse Effects of Beta-Lactam Antibiotics

    • Potential adverse effects include hypersensitivity reactions, gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea), platelet dysfunction, nephrotoxicity, and superinfections.

    Lactamase Inhibitor Combinations

    • Augmentin is a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate.
    • Timentin uses ticarcillin and clavulanate.
    • Unasyn features ampicillin and sulbactam.
    • Zosyn is a combination of piperacillin and tazobactam.

    Other Agents Affecting the Cell Wall

    • Vancomycin is used for serious infections and can cause severe side effects like chills, flushing, and shock.
    • Bacitracin is primarily used topically for localized infections due to potential nephrotoxicity.

    Protein Synthesis Inhibitors

    • A group of antibiotics that work by targeting bacterial ribosomes (which differ structurally from mammalian ribosomes), inhibiting protein synthesis within bacteria, and leading to bacterial death.

    Tetracyclines

    • Tetracyclines are broad-spectrum antibiotics.
    • Useful in treating rickettsial infections, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, chlamydial infections, bacillary infections (cholera), venereal infections (gonorrhea/syphilis), amebiasis.
    • Used in intestinal amebiasis and skin/soft tissue infections, often combined with other drugs.
    • Adverse effects include photosensitivity, discoloration of teeth in children, and interactions with antacids.

    Aminoglycosides

    • Aminoglycosides are derived from streptomyces/micromonospora.
    • Used to treat gram-negative infections (endocarditis, brucellosis, and others).
    • Poorly absorbed orally, so mostly used intravenously or intramuscularly.
    • Kanamycin and neomycin are used pre-operatively to reduce bowel bacteria.
    • Some adverse effects include nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity (hearing loss), and neurotoxicity.

    Macrolides

    • Macrolides may inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by interacting with cell membranes.
    • Erythromycin base breaks down in stomach acid, often given as enteric coated tablets or esterified.
    • Effective for penicillin-allergic patients with pneumonia.
    • Adverse effects include gastrointestinal issues (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting), and superinfections.

    Lincosamides

    • Lincosamides inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria, leading to bacterial cell death.
    • Commonly used to treat a broad range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial infections, including more serious infections.
    • Used for skin infections and possibly with sulfonamides to treat respiratory infections.
    • Adverse effects include abdominal pain/esophagitis, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, skin rashes, and possibly pseudomembranous colitis.

    Chloramphenicol

    • Chloramphenicol is widely used for typhoid fever, bacterial meningitis, and anaerobic infections.
    • It is a potent and potentially dangerous drug, thus restricted for severe infections when less potent drugs are not effective/contraindicated.
    • Adverse effects include severe blood dyscrasias, superinfections, gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea), and hypersensitivity reactions.

    Folate Antagonists

    • Folic acid co-enzymes are necessary for synthesis of purines/pyrimidines, necessary for cell growth/replication.
    • Sulfonamides are synthetic analogs of para-aminobenzoic acid which block folic acid synthesis.
    • Effective for uncomplicated UTIs and against Nocardiosis.
    • Adverse effects include dermatitis and agranulocytosis.

    Quinolones and Urinary Tract Antiseptics

    • Fluoroquinolones (e.g., Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin) exert antimicrobial action by interfering with bacterial DNA gyrase, preventing cell reproduction, and ultimately causing bacterial death.
    • Effectively used to treat infections in lower respiratory, skin, and urinary tracts, sexually transmitted diseases in the eyes, with ophthalmic formulations.
    • Potential adverse effects may include superinfections and drug-induced photosensitivity.

    Antimycobacterial Drugs

    • Tuberculosis is a major health concern, commonly impacting crowded areas, those with immune deficiency, and those with severe illnesses.
    • Mycobacteria are classified based on their staining properties (acid-fast).
    • Treatment involves a combination of drugs over a prolonged period (up to 2 years), often due to slow bacterial growth and development of drug-resistant strains.

    Isoniazid

    • Isoniazid (INH) is a main tuberculosis treatment.
    • It targets the enzyme responsible for mycolic acid formation, therefore it is bactericidal and specific in managing TB.
    • Common side effects include peripheral neuritis, hepatotoxicity, and drug interactions. The development of neuritis is reversible with B6 supplementation.

    Rifampin

    • Rifampin is effective against diverse bacterial infections and is often used in combination with other anti-tubercular drugs to combat TB.
    • It is not used as a single agent against active TB. It exhibits side effects of nausea, vomiting, rash, and fever.

    Chemotherapy of Leprosy

    • Leprosy (Hansen's disease) is caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
    • It is a chronic disease spread via prolonged contact.
    • Treatment with Dapsone and Clofazimine (Lamprene) offer a good prognosis and prevention of complications.

    Antifungal Drugs

    • Infections caused by fungi (mycoses) are often chronic and usually resistant to antibiotics.
    • Several drugs are effective against various fungal infections.
    • Antifungal drugs exert their effects by targeting fungal cell membranes, reproduction, or by interfering with sterols.
    • Antifungal drugs (e.g., Amphotericin B, Flucytosine, Ketoconazole, Fluconazole) can be used against mycoses, both subcutaneous/systemic, and superficial.

    Antiprotozoal Drugs

    • Protozoal infections are common in tropical/underdeveloped regions with inadequate sanitation/hygiene.
    • Drugs used in treating protozoa infections can target specific species and stages of parasite development.

    Anticancer Drugs

    • More than one million new cancer cases are diagnosed each year with a relatively lower portion cured through surgery/radiation.
    • Many anticancer drugs target abnormal cell growth/replication, but may affect normal fast-growing cells as well.
    • Side effects like bone marrow suppression, nausea, vomiting, and alopecia are common.

    Immunopharmacology

    • Immunopharmacology studies the host's specific immune mechanisms to react to foreign substances (including invading microbes) to maintain resistance or immunity.
    • The reactions are targeted to protect versus foreign entities.

    Immunosuppressive Agents in Organ Transplantation

    • Solid organ transplantation is the replacement of a diseased organ with a healthy organ from a living or recently deceased donor.
    • Immunosuppressive agents are employed to prevent the recipient's immune system from rejecting the transplanted organ.
    • There are differences in the strategies used in treating organ transplantation, including syngenic/autologous treatments.

    Types of Graft Rejection

    • Hyperacute rejection is immediate, occurs within minutes/hours, due to preformed antibodies
    • Acute rejection occurs days/months post-transplant, potentially reversible, often treated with steroids
    • Chronic rejection occurs months/years post-transplant, with no readily available treatment

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Description

    This quiz covers essential concepts related to antibiotics, focusing on penicillins, cephalosporins, and tuberculosis treatment. Participants will explore mechanisms of action, mechanisms of resistance, and common clinical considerations. Test your knowledge on the pharmacology that underpins effective antibiotic therapy.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser