Antibiotics/Anti-infectives

Question 1

Antibiotics/Anti-infectives

Answer 1

Used to destroy/kill (e.g. bactericidal) or inhibit growth (e.g. bacteriostatic) of pathogenic organisms
Given before or during a surgical procedure for prophylaxis (preventive measure) against postoperative wound infections

Question 2

What can Antibiotics/Anti-infectives be categorized in?

Answer 2

Categorized in large classes as aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, macrolides, penicillins, & tetracyclines

Question 3

Aminoglycosides

Answer 3

• bactericidal vs. aerobic, gram (-) & some gram (+)
  Amikin®, kanamycin (Kantrex®), gentamicin (Garamycin® & Jenamicin®), neomycin (Neobiotic®), streptomycin, tobramycin (Nebcin®)

Question 4

Cephalosporins

Answer 4

• bactericidal vs. gram (+) & some gram (-)
• Kefzol®, Ancef®, Duricef®, Zinacef®, Rocephin®

Question 5

Penicillins

Answer 5

• bactericidal
• effective vs. a wide variety of gram (+) & gram (-)
• ampicillins, amoxicillin, carbenicillin, mezlocillin, penicillin V, & piperacillin

Question 6

Antifungals

Answer 6

• against fungal infections
  Example: amphotericin, nystatin

Question 7

Sulfonamides

Answer 7

– wide spectrum against most gram-positive and many gram-negative organisms, bacteriostatic
Example: sulfamethoxazole

Question 8

Macrolides

Answer 8

• bacteriostatic vs. several gram (+)
• azithromycin (Zithromax®), erythromycin

Question 9

Tetracyclines

Answer 9

• broad spectrum; bacteriostatic vs. many gram (+) & gram (-)
• chlortetracycline HCl ophthalmic & topical ointment