Antibacterials: Cell Wall Synthesis Inhibitors Flashcards

1
Q

Inhibitors of cell wall synthesis - categories

A

Beta-lactam antibiotics: penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, monobactams

Vancomycin

Daptomycin

Bacitracin

Fosfomycin

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2
Q

Inhibitors of cell wall synthesis are inactive against what organisms

A

Organisms without peptidoglycan cells wall: mycoplasma, protozoa, fungi, viruses

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3
Q

Resistance to b-lactams

A

Beta-lactamases are bacterial enzymes (penicillinases, cephalosporinases) that hydrolyse b-lactam ring

Bacteria with this enzyme can resist effects of penicillins (eg: staph aureus, b-lactamases also found in periplasm of Gm- bacteria)

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4
Q

Beta-lactamase inhibitors

A

Clavulanic Acid
Sulbactam
Tazobactam

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5
Q

Clavulanic acid, sulbactam, tazobactam MOA and use

A

b-lacatamase inhibitors –> protect b-lactam antibiotics from inactivation

Contain b-lactame ring but do not have significant antibacterial activity –> bind to and inactivate most b-lactamases

Are available only in fixed combinations with specific penicillins (eg: augmentin = amoxicillin + clavulanic acid)

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6
Q

Beta-lactam antibiotics MOA

A

Require actively proliferating bacteria (cell wall synthesis must be occurring)

Target: Beta-lactams bind to penicillin-binding proteins (PBP) –> BPB are bacterial enzymes (transpeptidases) involved in cell wall synthesis)

Inhibit last step in peptidoglycan synthesis (cross-linking of peptidoglycan in cell wall) through binding to PBPs –> activated autolytic enzymes to initiate cell death —> bacteria eventually lyse due to activity of autolysis and inhibition of cell wall assembly

Are bactericidal

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7
Q

Penicillin antibacterial spectrum

A

Ability to reach PBPs determined by: size, charge and hydrophobicity

Gram positive bacteria have cell wall easily crossed by penicillins

Gram negative bacteria have porins (channels) to permit transmembrane entry

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8
Q

Penicillin + aminoglycoside therapy MOA and use

A

Penicillins facilitate movement of aminoglycosides through the cell wall so that they can reach their target, ribosomes, to inhibit protein synthesis

Should never be placed in the same infusion fluid as they form an inactive complex but can be given at the same time

Effective empiric treatment for infective endocarditis

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9
Q

Mechanisms of resistance to penicillins (4)

A
  • Inactivation by b-lactamases***
  • Modification of target PBPs (eg: MRSA does this)
  • Impaired penetration of drug to target PBPs (eg: modification of porins by Gm - bacteria)
  • Increased efflux
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10
Q

Natural penicillins: antibacterial spectrum and route of administration

A

Penicillin G
Active against - most Gm+ cocci, Gm+ rods, Gm- cocci and most anaerobes
Cannot be given orally

Penicillin V
Same as penicillin G but less active against Gm - bacteria
More acid stable than G (can be given orally)

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11
Q

Penicillin G clinical applications

A

Mostly used for Gm + bacteria:

Syphilis: use benzathine penicillin G

Strep infections

Susceptible pneumococci –> most are resistant but few are sensitive rarely used

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12
Q

Repository Penicillins (route of administration, PK, clinical applications)

A

Developed to prolong duration of penicillin

Penicillin G procaine:

  • Given IM (not IV due to risk of procaine toxicity)
  • t1/2 = 12-24 hours
  • rarely used due to increased resistance

Penicillin G benzathine

  • Given IM
  • t1/2: 3-4 weeks
  • Treatment of syphilis
  • Rheumatic fever prophylaxis
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13
Q

Penicillin V clinical applications

A

Given orally for mild-moderate infections:

  • Pharyngitis
  • Tonsilitis
  • Skin infections (caused by Strep)
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14
Q

Anti-staphylococcal Penicillins

A

Methicillin
Nafcillin
Oxacillin
Dicloxacillin

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15
Q

Methicillin, nafcillin, oxacillin and dicloxacillin MOA and clinical applications

A

Anti-staphylococcal penicillins –> bind to PBPs –> inhibit cross-linking of peptidoglycan cell wall –> activate autolytic enzymes –> bactericidal

Very narrow antibacterial spectrum

b-lactamase resistant (only penicillins that are resistant) –> only used to treat b-lactamase producing staphylococci

Inactive against MRSA

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16
Q

Extended-spectrum penicillins

A

Ampicillin

Amoxicillin

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17
Q

Ampicillin and amoxicillin antibacterial spectrum

A

Extended-spectrum penicillins –> similar to penicillin G (active against most Gm+ cocci, Gm+ rods, Gm- cocci and most anaerobes) + additional Gm - activity

Susceptible to b-lactamases –> activity is enhanced with b-lactamase inhibitors

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18
Q

Extended-spectrum penicillins PK + main AE

A

Amoxicillin has higher oral bioavailability that other penicillins: given orally

Ampicillin - given IM

AE:
Pseudomembranous colitis - ampicillin
Maculopapular rash - caused by both

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19
Q

Amoxicillin clinical applications

A

Treatment of many infections

  • acute otitis media
  • streptococcal pharyngitis
  • pneumonia
  • skin infections
  • UTIs
  • widely used to treat upper respiratory infections

** Common antibiotic prescribed in children and in pregnancy

Can be used for prophylaxis of susceptibly infections

Amoxicillin + clavulanic acid: preferred prophylactic treatment for dog, cat and human bites

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20
Q

Ampicillin clinical applications

A

Treatment of many infections

  • acute otitis media
  • streptococcal pharyngitis
  • pneumonia
  • skin infections
  • UTIs

Ampicillin + sulbactam: preferred prophylactic treatment for dog, cat and human bites

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21
Q

Antipseudomonal penicillins

A

Carbenicillin
Ticarcillin
Pipercillin

“CTP - can touch pseudomonas”

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22
Q

Carbenicillin, ticarcillin, pipercillin antibacterial spectrum and clinical applications

A

Antipseudomonal penicillins: effective against many Gm- and Gm+ bacilli +active against P.aeruginosa (broad spectrum)

Commonly used to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Main clinical use: as an injectable treatment of gram negatives

Treatment of moderate-severe infections of susceptible organisms: uncomplicated and complicated skin, gynecologic and intra-abdominal infections, febrile neutropenia

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23
Q

Penicillins PK: absorption

A

Very short half-lives: 30-60 minutes (except repository penicillins)

Oral absorption impaired by food (except amoxicillin which has high oral bioavailability).

Nafcillin = erratic, not given orally

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24
Q

Penicillins ineffective against infections located in which body part

A

Low levels of distribution in prostate and eye –> insufficient to treat infections in these areas

Poor CSF penetration (except in meningitis)

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25
Q

Penicillins PK: distribution

A
  • All achieve therapeutic levels in pleural, pericardial, peritoneal, synovial fluids and urine
  • Nafcillin, ampicillin and piperacillin –> high levels in bile
  • Low levels in prostate and eye***
  • Poor CSF penetration (except in meningitis)
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26
Q

Penicillins PK: excretion

A

Mainly by kidneys (need to be careful to adjust dose in patients with renal failure)

Nafcillin –> mainly in bile (can give to someone with renal failure)

Oxacillin and dicloxacillin = renal + biliary excretion

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27
Q

Main AE of penicillins

A

Hypersensitivity - penicillin acid (degradation product) is a major antigenic determinant. 5% patients claim to have some reaction (maculopapular rash –> anaphylaxis)

GI disturbance –> diarrhea

Pseudomembranous colitis (ampicillin)

Maculopapular rash (ampillicin, amoxicillin)

Neurotoxicity - epileptic patients at risk

Interstitial nephritis (particularly methicillin)

28
Q

Cephalosporins MOA

A

Beta-lactam antibiotics –> inhibit cell wall synthesis by inhibiting cross-linking of peptidoglycans –> bactericidal

Less susceptible to beta-lactamases than penicillins

29
Q

Antibacterial spectrum of cephalosporins

A

From 1st to 3rd generation: gram positive activity decreases and gram negative activity increases

4th generation: broad spectrum. Similar activity to 1st generation against gram positive cocci + active against most gram-negative bacilli

5th generation: similar to 3rd but can act against MRSA

All inactive against: "LAME"
Listeria 
Acinetobacter 
Atypicals: mycoplasma (no cell wall), chlamydia and legionella (intracellular) 
Enterococci
30
Q

Cephalosporins inactive against

A

1st - 4th generation: inactive against MRSA

All inactive against: "LAME"
Listeria 
Acinetobacter 
Atypicals: mycoplasma (no cell wall), chlamydia and legionella (intracellular) 
Enterococci
31
Q

Cephalosporins mechanism of resistance

A

Modification of target PBPs

32
Q

1st generation cephalosporins spectrum of activity

A

Cefazolin
Cephalexin

Penicillin G substitues: given if patient has a mild allergy

Resistant to staphylococcal penicillinase (a beta-lactamase)

Activity against: gram + cocci, P.mirabilis, E.coli and K.pneumoniae

33
Q

1st generation cephalosporins clinical applications

A

Cefazolin
Cephalexin (given orally)

Rarely DOC for any infections

Cefazolin - DOC for surgical prophylaxis = given pre-op to avoid skin wound infections

34
Q

2nd generation cephalosporins spectrum of activity

A

Cefaclor (given orally)
Cefoxitin
Cefotetan
Cefamandole

Extended gram negative coverage –> H.influenzae, Enterobacter aerogenes and some Neisseria

Weaker against gram positive

35
Q

2nd generation cephalosporins clinical applications

A

Mainly used to treat sinusitis, otitis, lower respiratory tract infections

Cefotetan and cefoxitin –> prophylaxis and treatment of abdominal and pelvic cavity infections (as there is an increased risk of gm - bacteria being present)

36
Q

3rd generation cephalosporins spectrum of activity

A
Ceftriazone
Cefoperazone
Cefotaxime
Ceftazidime
Cefixime (given orally)

Enhanced activity against gram negative cocci = enterobacteriacae, Niesseria and H.influenzae

Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime and ceftriazone –> usually active against pneumococci

37
Q

Ceftriaxone clinical applications

A

3rd generation cephalosporins

DOC for gonorrhea

DOC for empiric treatment of meningitis

Prophylaxis of meningitis in exposed individuals

Treatment of disseminated Lyme disease (CNS or joint infection)

38
Q

Cefaperazone and ceftazidime clinical applications

A

Activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

39
Q

4th generation cephalosporins spectrum of activity and clinical applications

A

Cefipime

Broad spectrum = eg: enterobacter, Haemophilia, Niesseria, E.coli, pneumococci, P.mirabilis and P. aeruginosa

Parenteral administration only

Treatment of mixed infections with susceptible organisms: complicated UTIs, complicated intra-abdominal infections, febrile neutropenia

40
Q

Cephalosporins with activity against P.aeruginosa

A

Cefaperazone and ceftazidime (3rd gen)
Cefipime (4th gen)

*5th gen have no coverage against this

41
Q

5th generation cephalosporins spectrum of activity and clinical applications

A

Ceftaroline

Similar spectrum of activity to 3rd gen (enhanced activity against gram negative) + activity against MRSA**

Parenteral administration only

Used to treat skin and soft-tissue infections due to MRSA, especially if gram negative bacteria are co-infecting

42
Q

Cephalosporins PK (route of administration and elimination)

A

Most given parenterally
–> except caphalexin (1st gen), Cefaclor (2nd gen) and cefixine (3rd gen) given orally

Only 3rd generation can reach adequate levels in CSF

Mainly eliminated by kidneys
–> except ceftrizone and cefoperazone excreted in bile (both 3rd gen)

43
Q

Cephalosporins AE

A

Allergic reactions –> cross-reactivity with penicillins can occur but most patients with minor penicillin allergy can be treated with cephalosporins

Pain at infection site (when given IM)

Thrombophlebitis - inflammation of a vein caused by a blood clot (when given IV)

Superinfection (eg: C.difficile)

Kernicterus (pregnancy)

Cefamandole, cefotetan (2nd gen) and cefoperazone (3rd gen) –> contain methyl-triotetrazole group and can cause:

  • Hypoprothrombinemia (vit K1 can prevent this)
  • Disulfarim-like reactions (avoid alcohol)
44
Q

Carbapenems MOA

A

Doripenem
Ertapenem
Imipenem
Meropenem

Synthetic b-lactam antibiotics –> inhibit cell wall synthesis by inhibiting cross-linking of peptidoglycans –> bactericidal

Resist hydrolysis by most b-lactamases

45
Q

Carbapenems antibacterial spectrum

A

Very broad spectrum

Active against b-lacatmase producing gram positive and negative organisms, aerobes and anaerobes, P.aeruginosa

Ertapenem: less broad, not active against P.aeruginosa***

Not active against carbapenemase producing organisms (carbapenem resistant enterobacteriaceae and klebsiella)

Not active against MRSA

46
Q

Carbapenems clinical application

A

Use typically restricted to avoid resistance

Used only for life-threatening infections, especially if broad spectrum coverage is needed

Commonly used to treat extended-spectrum b-lactamase producing gram negatives

47
Q

Carbapenems PK

A

Given IV

Imipenem: forms potentially nephrotoxic metabolite by enzyme dehydropeptidase I in kidney
—> Give it with cilastatin (dehydropeptidase I inhibitor) to prevent metabolism and toxicity and increase its availability***

Doripenem, ertapenem and meropenem not metabolised by same enzyme

48
Q

Carbapenems AE

A

GI distress - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

High levels of imipenem can cause CNS toxicity (eg: seizures)***

Allergic reactions - partial cross-sensivity with penicillins***

49
Q

Monobactams MOA and antibacterial spectrum

A

Aztreonam

Aerobic gram negative rods only (including pseudomonas)***

Resistant to action of b-lactamases***

50
Q

Aztreonam clinical applications

A

Monobactam

Useful in treatment of gram negative infections in patients allergic to penicillin (little cross-reactive with other beta-lactams as it is most different structurally)***

51
Q

Monobactam (aztreonam) PK: route of administration and excretion

A

Mainly given IV or IM –> can be given by inhalation in CF patients

Penetrates CSF when inflamed

Excreted mainly via urine

52
Q

Monobactam (aztreonam) AE

A

Relatively nontoxic

Occasional skin rashes and GI upset

Little cross-hypersensitivity with other b-lactams***

53
Q

Vancomycin MOA

A

Bacterial glycoprotein

Binds to D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of nascent peptidoglycan pentapeptide –> inhibits cell wall synthesis and peptidoglycan formation

Resistant to beta-lactamases

54
Q

Vancomycin antibacterial spectrum

A

Active against gram positives only***

Almost all gram negatives are intrinsically resistant

Effective against MDR organisms (MRSA, enterococci, PRSP)

55
Q

Vancomycin mechanism of resistance

A

Modification of D-Ala-D-Ala binding site (replaced by D-lactate)***

Plasmid-mediated changes in drug permeability

56
Q

Vancomycin clinical applications

A

Treatment of serious infections causes by b-lactam resistant gram positive organisms (like MRSA)***

Treatment of gram positive infections in patient severely allergic to beta-lactams ***

Given in combination with aminoglycoside = empiric treatment of infective endocarditis and to treat PRSP

Given orally when local effect in GI tract is needed: antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis (C.difficile)

57
Q

Vancomycin PK

A

Poor oral absorption

Requires slow IV infusion (60-90 minute)***

Almost completely excreted by kidneys

58
Q

Vancomycin AE

A

‘Red man’ or ‘red neck’ syndrome = infusion related flushing over face and upper torso (not an allergic reaction)

Ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity due to drug accumulation***

59
Q

Daptomycin MOA

A

Binds to cell membrane via Ca2+ insertion of lipid tail –> depolarisation of cell membrane –> K+ efflux –> cell death –> bactericidal

Novel MOA –> useful against MDR bacteria***

60
Q

Daptomycin antibacterial spectrum

A

Effective against resistant gram positive bacteria (MRSA, enterococci, VRE and VRSA)

Inactive against gram negatives

Not effective in treatment of pneumonia as drug is inactivated by surfactant in lungs

61
Q

Daptomycin clinical applications

A

Treatment of severe infections caused by MRSA or VRE (resistant to vancomycin)

Treatment of complicated skin/structure infections caused by susceptible S.aureus

62
Q

Daptomycin PK

A

Given IV only

Can accumulate in renal insufficiency

63
Q

Daptomycin AE

A

Elevated creatinine phosphokinases –> might cause myopathies (recommended to discontinue co-administration of statins)***

Others: constipation, nausea, headache, insomnia

64
Q

Bacitracin MOA, uses and AE

A

Interferes in late stage cell wall synthesis –> unique MOA –> no cross resistance***

Effective against gram positive bacteria

Marked nephrotoxicity –> mainly topical use for wounds or burns in skin (never given systemically)***

65
Q

Fosfomycin MOA and uses

A

Inhibits cytoplasmic enolpyruvate transferase in early stage of cell wall synthesis

Active against gram positive and gram negative bacteria

Given oral

Used for treatment of uncomplicated lower UTIs