Infections

Question 1

general signs and symptoms of infection

Answer 1

fever and shaking chills
decreased urination
rapid pulse
rapid breathing
nausea and vomiting
diarrhoea

Question 2

list main drugs for infections

Answer 2

benzylpenicillin
phenoxymethylpenicillin

penicillinase-resistant penicillins

broad-spectrum penicillins

anti-pseudomonal

cephalosporins + beta lactams

macrolides

aminoglycosides

vancomycin

tetracycline

quinolones

anti-malarial

Question 3

imp points for aminoglycosides

Answer 3

e.g. Gentamycin

• treat infections caused by gram negative bacteria
• pneumonia, typhus

Question 4

imp points for penicillin

Answer 4

treat skin infections, UTI, RTI, ear infection, dental infection and gonorrhoea

usually used with beta lactamase inhibitors which inhibit bacterial enzymes that may destroy penicillin before performing its function

Question 5

imp points for cephalosporin

Answer 5

e.g. ceferoxime, cefalexin

treats staph infections, streptococcal throat, bronchititis, otitis, gonorrhea

also used in surgical prophylaxis

Question 6

imp points for sulphonamides

Answer 6

functionally similar to penicillins

treat kidney infections
- may damage kidneys

also patient advised to drink lots of water - or sulphate crytals may deposit

Question 7

imp points for macrolides

Answer 7

e.g. clarithromycin

• treats GI infections, RTI, genital infections
• can cause GI discomfort
• used for patients who are sensitive to penicillin

Question 8

imp points for tetracycline

Answer 8

e.g. oxytetracycline

• treats malarial infection, chlamydia and syphilis

Question 9

imp points for quionolones

Answer 9

e.g. ciprofloxacin

• treats skin UTI RTI
• may cause peripheral neuropathy
• avoid in children and pregnant women as it affects bone growth