Pharmacology Quiz: Cephalosporins & Addison’s Disease

A rare chronic condition where the adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol and aldosterone, crucial hormones for regulating the body's stress response and electrolyte balance.

Autoimmune response, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, cancer cells, hemorrhage in the adrenal glands, and amyloidosis are all potential causes of Addison's disease.

Type 1 Diabetes, hypoparathyroidism, hypopituitarism, Graves' disease, vitiligo, chronic thyroiditis, dermatitis herpetiformis, and testicular failure are all risk factors associated with Addison's disease.

Happens when the pituitary gland, located in the brain, doesn't produce enough ACTH, a hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.

Occurs when the adrenal glands are damaged, leading to insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone.

Arises when the hypothalamus, another brain region, doesn't produce enough corticotropin-releasing hormone, which triggers the pituitary to release ACTH.

Extreme fatigue, weight loss, darkened skin patches, low blood pressure, salt craving, hypoglycemia, and digestive issues are common symptoms of Addison's disease.

Synthetic forms of cortisol, like hydrocortisone (Cortef) and prednisone (Rayos), are used to replace the missing hormone and manage Addison's disease.

Cefuroxime is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is effective against common respiratory pathogens, including Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, and E. coli. Cefuroxime is often used to treat respiratory tract infections (URTI, LRTI), sinusitis, otitis media, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Cefaclor is another second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with a similar spectrum of activity to cefuroxime. However, it has slightly less potent activity against gram-negative bacteria, making it more effective against Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. It is commonly used for treating ear infections (otitis media), as well as other respiratory infections.

Second-generation cephalosporins are a class of antibiotics with a broad-spectrum of activity against a variety of bacteria, including both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.

A key feature of second-generation cephalosporins is their enhanced activity against gram-negative bacteria, including Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis. This makes them effective for treating infections involving these bacteria, such as respiratory infections and UTIs.

Second-generation cephalosporins are commonly used for treating a variety of infections including respiratory tract infections (URTI, LRTI), sinusitis, otitis media, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). They are also effective against skin and soft tissue infections.

Cefdinir is an oral antibiotic effective against common respiratory tract bacteria, including Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and some Gram-positive bacteria.

Cefixime is an oral antibiotic that effectively targets Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli and Haemophilus influenzae. It also has limited coverage against some Gram-positive bacteria.

Cefpodoxime is an oral antibiotic known for its good activity against both Gram-negative bacteria (like Haemophilus influenzae) and Gram-positive bacteria (like Streptococcus pneumoniae).

Cefoperazone is a broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and some Gram-positive bacteria.

Ceftibuten is an oral antibiotic that primarily targets Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli and Klebsiella. It also has some activity against Gram-positive bacteria.

Gram-negative bacteria commonly targeted by these antibiotics include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella, Proteus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Gram-positive bacteria commonly targeted by these antibiotics include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and certain strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Gram-negative bacteria targeted by these antibiotics, for example E. coli, H. influenzae, Klebsiella, Proteus, Neisseria, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas.

A group of antibiotics that targets a wide range of bacteria, including both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

A specific type of antibiotic known for its effectiveness against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other gram-positive bacteria.

A class of antibiotics that have a single beta-lactam ring in their structure.

A specific Monobactam antibiotic with a limited spectrum of activity, mainly targeting aerobic gram-negative bacteria.

A type of bacteria that is notoriously resistant to many common antibiotics, making it difficult to treat infections caused by them.

A specific type of gram-positive bacteria that can cause various infections, including pneumonia.

A bacterial species that can cause respiratory tract infections and other infections.

A class of antibiotics that inhibit peptidoglycan synthesis, a key component of bacterial cell walls.

A glycopeptide antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, including sepsis, endocarditis, and meningitis. It is also prescribed for C. difficile colitis.

A common side effect of vancomycin, characterized by a red flushing of the skin, accompanied by itching and a feeling of warmth.

A rare but serious side effect of vancomycin that can cause damage to the kidneys.

A type of antibiotic that works by inhibiting the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a crucial component of bacterial cell walls. They are typically used to treat infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria.

A glycopeptide antibiotic used to treat complicated skin and soft tissue infections, as well as hospital-acquired pneumonia.

A serious risk associated with telavancin, potentially affecting the developing fetus and causing birth defects.

A potential adverse effect of telavancin, which is a rare but possible risk.

Daptomycin is an antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA and vancomycin-resistant strains.

Daptomycin works by binding to bacterial cell membranes, disrupting their function and causing rapid cell death.

Daptomycin is available as an intravenous (IV) powder for injection or solution for administration.

Possible side effects of Daptomycin include gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances, rash, headache, and, in rare cases, muscle discomfort or weakness.

Daptomycin is contraindicated in pediatric patients younger than one year of age.

Tetracyclines are a class of antibiotics that primarily work by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.

Tetracyclines are commonly used to treat various infections, including those caused by bacteria like Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, and some Rickettsia species.

Tetracyclines are available in oral formulations, commonly taken several times a day, and their dosage varies depending on the specific medication and the age of the patient.