Choosing Antibiotics

Question 1

Describe what is meant by “antibiotic spectrum”

Answer 1

A bacteria that falls within an antibiotic’s spectrum MAY be susceptible to that antibiotic

Question 2

Which antibiotic class is the best choice for a strep infection?

Answer 2

Beta-lactams!

Question 3

For a dog with severe gram negative sepsis, what classes of antibiotics could you utilize?

Answer 3

Enrofloxacin (might combine with Ampicillin/sulbactam to increase spectrum)
Amikacin

Best gram negative spectrum

Question 4

Despite oral administration being preferred by both clients and patients, why are we limited in its use? Consider a patient with GI disease

Answer 4

Oral has the most variable absorption

Limited use in treating systemic disease if GI disease is also present

Question 5

When choosing SC route of administration, what must you consider?

Answer 5

Hydration status

Dehydration decreases absorption b/c losing blood flow to subcu and skin

Question 6

When do we use the high end of the dose range?

Answer 6

Higher MIC
Difficult site of infection (protected site, abscesses)
Anaerobes
Poorly perfumed tissue that cannot be removed

Question 7

Potassium penicillin should be administered _______ over what time period?

Answer 7

IV
5 min SLOWLY