Pharmacology of Cephalosporins and Drug Action

The phase of drug development where a new drug is released for general use and its effects are observed in a large population.

A strategy that involves neither being the first to adopt a new idea nor the last to abandon an old one. It promotes making informed choices by balancing potential benefits and inherent risks.

The official name of a drug that is standardized and used across healthcare professionals and national exams.

The name given to a drug by its manufacturer for marketing purposes. It is usually a brand name.

The extent to which a drug is absorbed into the bloodstream and becomes available to the body. It can vary even among drugs with the same generic name.

Classifying drugs based on what they treat. For example, drugs for high blood pressure or drugs for depression.

Classifying drugs based on their chemical structure or mechanism of action. For example, calcium channel blockers or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

A drug group that reduces the volume of plasma in the blood. They are often used to treat conditions like high blood pressure.

The maximum effect a drug can produce, regardless of the dose.

The amount of drug needed to produce a specific effect.

As the dose increases, the response also increases, but eventually plateaus.

A drug that produces the desired effect at a lower dose compared to another drug.

A drug that produces a stronger effect compared to another drug, even at the same dose.

Penicillinase-resistant penicillins are a type of penicillin that are not broken down by the enzyme penicillinase. This allows them to be effective against bacteria that produce penicillinase, which can make other penicillins ineffective.

Broad-spectrum penicillins are a type of penicillin that are effective against a wide range of bacteria. They work against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Antipseudomonal penicillins are a type of penicillin that are specifically effective against the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as other bacteria like Enterobacter, Proteus, Bacteroides fragilis, and Klebsiella.

Beta-lactamase inhibitors are drugs that are used in combination with penicillinase-sensitive penicillins to prevent the breakdown of penicillin by the enzyme penicillinase. This allows the penicillin to be more effective.

Penicillin G is administered via intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) injection because it gets broken down in the acidic environment of the stomach.

Large doses of ticarcillin can lead to sodium overload due to the high sodium content in the drug.

Penicillins are primarily eliminated from the body through active tubular excretion in the kidneys, with a smaller amount being filtered by the glomeruli.

Cephalosporins are a class of antibiotics that work by inhibiting the synthesis of peptidoglycans, which are essential components of bacterial cell walls. This weakens the cell wall and ultimately leads to bacterial death.

First-generation cephalosporins effectively target gram-positive bacteria, including staphylococci (excluding MRSA) and non-enterococcal streptococci. They are commonly used as prophylaxis for surgical site wound infections.

Second-generation cephalosporins demonstrate slight activity against gram-negative bacteria but are generally not the preferred choice for treating gram-negative infections.

Third-generation cephalosporins exhibit increased resistance to beta-lactamase, a bacterial enzyme that inactivates many antibiotics. They possess enhanced activity against gram-negative bacteria, making them suitable for treating serious infections.

Fourth-generation cephalosporins exhibit a broad spectrum of activity, particularly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These cephalosporins are highly effective in treating infections that affect the central nervous system.

Fifth-generation cephalosporins are unique in their ability to target methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This makes them crucial for infections caused by MRSA, which are often difficult to treat.

A severe infection of the outer ear canal that can spread to the surrounding bones and even the brain, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.

A common symptom of NOE characterized by pain and tenderness over the mastoid bone behind the ear.

A potentially fatal complication of NOE, where a blood clot forms in the large vein near the brain.

An infection of the outer ear canal caused by fungi, typically Aspergillus or Candida, leading to intense itching, redness, and potentially hearing loss.

A common treatment for fungal otitis externa that helps to create an acidic environment unfavorable for fungal growth, often used alongside thorough cleaning.

An antibiotic that inhibits cell wall synthesis. It is not a beta-lactam, so it can be safely administered to patients with penicillin allergies.

Rapidly infused vancomycin can cause a severe reaction with flushing, hypotension, rash, and other symptoms.

A type of antibiotic that is commonly used to treat serious bacterial infections.

The process by which the body eliminates a drug.

A serious adverse effect of vancomycin that can damage the inner ear and cause hearing loss.

A serious adverse effect of vancomycin that can cause blood clots in the veins.

A serious side effect of vancomycin that can cause a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood.

The ability of a drug to produce the desired effect.