Anti-infective Agents

Question 1

Examples

Answer 1

bacitracin
chloramphenicol
meropenem
polymyxin B
vancomycin

Question 2

Therapeutic Action

Answer 2

Interfere with normal function of the invading organism to prevent it from reproducing and to cause cell death without affecting host cells.

Goal: Reduce the population of the invading organism to a point at which the human immune response can take care of the infection.
If pt is immunocompromised, the immune system may be incapable of dealing effectively with invading organisms.

Question 3

Limiting Resistance

Answer 3

Limit use of antimicrobial agents to the treatment of specific pathogens known to be sensitive to the drug being used.

Appropriate dosing.

Complete entire prescription.

Question 4

Adverse Reactions

Answer 4

Kidney damage

Gastrointestinal toxicity
(nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea)

Liver toxicity, liver failure - cephalosporins

Neurotoxicity - Polymyxin B
(dizziness, vertigo, loss of hearing)

Blindness - Chloroquine

Dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, changes in reflexes, hallucinations

Question 5

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Answer 5

Anaphylaxis

Cross-sensitivity between penicillins and cephalosporins

Question 6

Superinfections

Answer 6

Infections that occur when opportunistic pathogens that were kept in check by the “normal” flora bacteria have the opportunity to invade tissues.

Commonly vaginal or GI tissues.

Usually from use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.