antibiotics Flashcards
(10 cards)
Amoxicillin, Benzylpenicillin, Phenoxymethylpenicillin, Flucloxacillin
Class: Penicillins (Beta-Lactam)
Mechanism: Bactericidal; interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis by inhibiting peptidoglycan cross-linking via penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs).
Use: Treats respiratory infections, H. pylori, UTI, acute otitis media, skin infections, endocarditis.
Side Effects: Hypersensitivity, nausea, vomiting, skin reactions, thrombocytopenia, diarrhea, black hairy tongue (rare).
Considerations: May alter the effects of Warfarin; Methotrexate toxicity risk increases.
Contraindication: Allergy history, especially for anaphylaxis risk.
Co-Amoxiclav (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid)
Class: Penicillins (Beta-Lactam)
Mechanism: Same as Amoxicillin, but clavulanic acid prevents the breakdown of amoxicillin by beta-lactamases.
Use: Second-line treatment for acute sinusitis, beta-lactamase-producing infections.
Side Effects: Same as Amoxicillin.
Doxycycline, Lymecycline, Minocycline, Tigecycline, Oxytetracycline, Democlocycline, Tetracycline
Class: Tetracycline
Mechanism: Bacteriostatic; inhibits protein synthesis by binding to bacterial ribosomes. Democlocycline also inhibits ADH.
Use: Pneumonia, COPD exacerbation, sinusitis (if allergic to penicillin), Democlocycline for hyponatremia.
Side Effects: Angioedema, diarrhea, headache, photosensitivity, systemic lupus erythematosus exacerbations, vomiting.
Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Azithromycin
Class: Macrolides
Mechanism: Bacteriostatic; inhibits bacterial growth by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit.
Use: Alternative to penicillin for RTIs, otitis media, skin and soft tissue infections, H. pylori, pneumonia, COPD exacerbations.
Side Effects: Decreased appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, GI discomfort, nausea, altered taste, skin reactions, hearing impairment, and more.
Cefalexin
Class: Cephalosporin (1st Generation)
Mechanism: Binds to PBPs, disrupting bacterial cell wall synthesis (bactericidal).
Use: UTI in pregnancy, pyelonephritis.
Side Effects: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, pseudomembranous colitis, skin reactions, nausea, vomiting, vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone, Ceftazidime, Cefixime
Class: Cephalosporin (3rd Generation)
Mechanism: Broad-spectrum, binds to PBPs to interrupt bacterial cell wall synthesis (bactericidal).
Use: Meningococcal disease, septicaemia, pneumonia, biliary tract infections, peritonitis, UTIs.
Side Effects: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, pseudomembranous colitis, nausea, vomiting, vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Considerations: May increase bleeding risk with Warfarin.
Flashcard 7: Nitrofurantoin
Class: Nitrofurantoin Antibiotic
Mechanism: Disrupts bacterial ribosomal DNA, leading to bactericidal effects.
Use: First-line treatment for uncomplicated UTIs.
Side Effects: Dark yellow/brown urine, nausea, headache, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dizziness.
Contraindication: Avoid if eGFR < 45 ml/min and during late pregnancy.
Trimethoprim
Class: Antifolate Antibiotic
Mechanism: Inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, disturbing bacterial DNA synthesis.
Use: Second-line for UTIs, pyelonephritis.
Side Effects: Diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, nausea, skin reactions, vomiting.
Considerations: Teratogenic in pregnancy (folate antagonist).
Pyrazinamide + Ethambutol
Class: TB Antibiotics
Mechanism: Targets specific components of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Use: For active TB in the first two months (without CNS involvement).
Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, joint pain, fatigue.
Isoniazid + Rifampicin
Class: TB Antibiotic Treatment
Mechanism: Targets components of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Use: For active TB during the following four months.
Side Effects: Same as Pyrazinamide + Ethambutol.
