Pharmacology of Cephalosporins and Antibiotics

A chemical produced by a microbe that harms other microbes.

Any agent, natural or synthetic, that can kill or suppress microorganisms.

The ability of a drug to harm a targeted cell or organism without harming other cells or organisms in close proximity.

Drugs that directly kill bacteria at achievable concentrations.

Drugs that slow bacterial growth but don't kill cells.

A new infection that appears during treatment for a primary infection.

The use of an antibiotic to prevent infection before it occurs.

The use of multiple antibiotics together to achieve broader effects like reduced resistance or toxicity.

Organisms develop resistance to antibiotics over time.

The practice of matching the right antibiotic to the specific type of bacteria causing an infection.

A patient with a history of mild reaction to penicillin can be safely given cephalosporins.

A patient with a history of anaphylactic reaction to penicillin must avoid both penicillin and cephalosporins.

Penicillin's mechanism of action involves weakening the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell rupture and death.

Penicillin allergy is a common adverse effect, affecting 0.4% to 7% of patients receiving penicillin.

Penicillin G (Benzylpenicillin) is effective against many Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative bacteria.

Penicillin is the most common cause of drug allergy.

Bacterial resistance to penicillin can occur due to several factors, including the inability of penicillin to reach its target, inactivation of penicillin by bacterial enzymes, and the production of altered protein-binding sites in the bacteria.

Penicillins are primarily bacteriocidal, meaning they directly kill bacteria.

A group of beta-lactam antibiotics that are commonly used to treat infections. They work by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in bacteria, leading to cell lysis. They're classified into generations based on their spectrum of activity and resistance patterns.

The first generation of cephalosporins are primarily used for prophylaxis, meaning they prevent infection before surgery, and are rarely used to treat active infections. They are less potent against gram-negative bacteria.

The third generation of cephalosporins are highly effective against various gram-negative bacteria, including those that cause serious infections. They can also cross the blood-brain barrier, making them useful for treating meningitis.

A class of antibiotics that are known for their broad-spectrum activity and are effective against a wide range of bacteria, including anaerobic bacteria. They work by inhibiting cell wall synthesis and are often used for serious infections and infections caused by resistant bacteria.

A glycopeptide antibiotic that is used to treat serious infections, particularly those caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in bacteria.

A class of antibiotics that kill bacteria by interfering with protein synthesis.

A serious side effect of aminoglycosides that can damage the inner ear, leading to hearing loss and balance problems.

Aminoglycosides can also harm the kidneys, leading to reduced kidney function.

When the concentration of an antibiotic is high enough to kill bacteria.

When the concentration of an antibiotic is low enough to minimize toxicity.

A specific type of aminoglycoside used to treat serious infections caused by a wide range of gram-negative bacteria, especially those resistant to other antibiotics.

A specific type of aminoglycoside used to treat serious infections caused by gram-negative bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa Escherichi coli, Klebsiella, Serratia, and Proteus mirabilis.

A way to increase the effectiveness of aminoglycosides by ensuring high enough peak levels to kill bacteria while keeping trough levels low enough to minimize toxicity.

A medication used to treat fungal infections. It is the drug of choice for skin, mouth, and vaginal infections.

An antifungal medication used specifically for candidiasis (yeast infections). It is most commonly used to treat intestinal candidiasis and can also be used for infections of the skin, mouth, esophagus, and vagina.

An antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including pneumonia, but can cause diarrhea as a side effect. This can be further complicated by the development of Clostridium difficile infection, a severe form of diarrhea.

An antifungal medication that is known for its broad-spectrum activity. The azoles are typically considered safer than Amphotericin B, a more toxic antifungal medication.

A serious side effect of aminoglycosides, particularly gentamicin, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. It occurs due to the drug's interference with neuromuscular transmission.

A medication used to reverse the effects of aminoglycoside toxicity by increasing calcium levels and restoring normal muscle function.

A class of antibiotics that work by inhibiting the synthesis of tetrahydrofolic acid, a crucial component for bacterial growth. They are broadly effective against various bacteria.

A common side effect of sulfonamide antibiotics, characterized by a severe skin rash, often accompanied by fever and blistering.

A combination drug containing trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. It inhibits two sequential steps in folic acid synthesis, making it more potent than either drug alone.

A common side effect of TMP/SMZ, it involves the kidneys filtering and excreting the drug, potentially causing damage.

A key recommendation for patients taking TMP/SMZ to reduce the risk of crystalluria and kidney damage. Staying hydrated helps flush out the drug.

A crucial aspect of patient education for those taking TMP/SMZ. Folate supplements help counter the drug's interference with folic acid metabolism.