Nucleic Acid Synthesis Disruption

Question 1

How does the 1st generation of Cephalosporins differ from the 4th in terms of gram coverage?

Answer 1

1st generation: Noted for gram-positive coverage. 4th generation: Noted for more gram-negative coverage including Pseudomonas

Question 2

What is the spectrum of activity for Fluoroquinolones?

Answer 2

Broad coverage: Gram-positive cocci, gram-negative rods, atypical bacteria

Question 3

What is Levofloxacin’s common clinical use?

Answer 3

Pneumonia, sinusitis, skin infections, urinary tract infections

Question 4

What are the main resistant bacteria to Levofloxacin?

Answer 4

MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter

Question 5

For which type of infections is Gemifloxacin primarily used?

Answer 5

Respiratory tract infections

Question 6

What is the main action of Rifampin?

Answer 6

Bactericidal: Inhibits bacterial DNA-dependent RNA polymerase which in turn halts bacterial RNA synthesis – crucial for bacteria

Question 7

What are the side effects associated with Rifampin?

Answer 7

Hepatotoxicity, red/orange body fluids, induction of P450

Question 8

How does Clindamycin work and what bacteria is it effective against?

Answer 8

Bacteriostatic: Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit – effective against anaerobes, especially gram-positive

Question 9

Which bacteria are Fluoroquinolones not effective against?

Answer 9

Enterococcus, anaerobes

Question 10

What is the preferred dosing for Levofloxacin for pneumonia?

Answer 10

750mg orally daily for 5 days depending on the diagnosis