Classification Of Antibiotics Flashcards
(50 cards)
What is the major difference between bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics?
Bactericidal antibiotics kill bacteria, while bacteriostatic antibiotics inhibit bacterial growth.
Which antibiotics are considered beta-lactams?
Penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactams.
What is the mechanism of action of beta-lactam antibiotics?
Inhibition of transpeptidases, which are involved in peptidoglycan synthesis.
Name an antibiotic that inhibits cell membrane function.
Polymyxin B or colistin (Polymyxin E).
Which antibiotics inhibit protein synthesis by targeting the 30S ribosomal subunit?
Aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, spectinomycin.
What does the term ‘broad-spectrum antibiotic’ mean?
An antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Which class of antibiotics inhibits DNA synthesis by targeting DNA gyrase?
Quinolones and fluoroquinolones.
What is the main adverse effect associated with tetracyclines?
Staining of teeth and impairment of bone structure.
Which antibiotics are classified as glycopeptides?
Vancomycin and teicoplanin.
What is the mechanism of action of macrolides?
Inhibit RNA-dependent protein synthesis at the chain elongation step.
Which class of antibiotics works by inhibiting folic acid synthesis?
Sulfonamides and trimethoprim.
What is the primary target of aminoglycosides?
The 30S ribosomal subunit, leading to misreading of mRNA.
What is the main adverse effect associated with aminoglycosides?
Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
Name a fifth-generation cephalosporin that is active against MRSA.
Ceftaroline or ceftobiprole.
Which antibiotic is often used in combination with beta-lactamase inhibitors?
Amoxicillin (combined with clavulanic acid).
What are beta-lactamase inhibitors?
Compounds that prevent bacterial beta-lactamases from hydrolyzing beta-lactam antibiotics.
Which antibiotic is used primarily against anaerobic bacteria?
Metronidazole.
Which antibiotics are classified as nucleic acid synthesis inhibitors?
Quinolones, fluoroquinolones, and rifamycins.
What is the clinical significance of clavulanic acid?
It is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that protects antibiotics like amoxicillin from degradation.
What is the mechanism of action of rifampicin?
Inhibits DNA-dependent RNA polymerase, blocking RNA synthesis.
Which antibiotic is a first-line treatment for tuberculosis?
Isoniazid or rifampicin.
What is the primary adverse effect of fluoroquinolones?
Tendon rupture, particularly of the Achilles tendon.
Which generation of cephalosporins has the broadest activity?
Fourth generation, such as cefepime.
What is the spectrum of activity of monobactams like aztreonam?
Limited to aerobic Gram-negative bacteria.
