Cushman Flashcards
(160 cards)
What are the differences between Gram-(+) and Gram-(–) bacteria regarding drug penetration?
Molecules penetrate Gram+ readily, while Gram- requires porins for polar molecules
Gram+ has a thicker peptidoglycan layer compared to Gram-.
How do beta-lactamases distribute in Gram+ and Gram- bacteria?
In Gram+, beta-lactamases are excreted into the solvent; in Gram-, they are confined to the periplasmic space
This affects the quantity needed for effectiveness.
What is the peptidoglycan layer composition difference between Gram+ and Gram- bacteria?
Gram+ contains lysine residues; Gram- contains diaminopimelic acid (DAP) residues
This difference contributes to their structural integrity.
What is the role of transpeptidase in bacterial cell walls?
Transpeptidase cross-links peptidoglycan strands, forming a stable structure
It is essential for maintaining cell wall integrity.
How do beta-lactams affect transpeptidases?
Beta-lactams inhibit transpeptidases by forming a stable acyl-enzyme complex
This leads to weakened cell walls and bacterial death.
What are the mechanisms of bacterial resistance to penicillins?
Resistance mechanisms include:
* Decreased cellular uptake
* Mutation of penicillin binding proteins
* Efflux pumps
* Beta-lactamase hydrolysis
How does penicillin act as an allergen?
Penicillin acts as a hapten, acylating host proteins and raising antibodies
This can lead to allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
What conditions affect penicillin stability?
Penicillin is less stable under acidic conditions due to nucleophilic attacks on the carbonyl
This results in hydrolysis and loss of antibiotic activity.
What chemical feature of penicillins confers resistance to acid degradation?
An electronegative side chain increases stability under acidic conditions
This affects the drug’s bioavailability.
How does serum protein binding affect penicillin bioavailability?
Higher protein binding reduces bioavailability by lowering effective drug concentration
More lipophilic penicillins tend to bind more to serum proteins.
What are the major penicillin excretion mechanisms?
Penicillin is primarily excreted through:
* 90% tubular secretion
* 10% glomerular secretion
How does renal disease affect the half-life of penicillins?
Half-lives of penicillins are increased in patients with renal failure
This necessitates dosage adjustments in such patients.
What is the effect of probenecid on penicillin half-life?
Probenecid prolongs penicillin half-life by competing for tubular secretion
This can enhance penicillin’s therapeutic effects.
What characterizes beta-lactam nomenclature?
Beta-lactam nomenclature involves classifying antibiotics based on their structure and resistance profiles.
What chemical features stabilize penicillins against beta-lactamase hydrolysis?
Two ortho methoxy groups create steric hindrance, conferring stability
This makes certain penicillins more resistant to breakdown.
Characterize penicillin G in terms of antimicrobial spectrum and precautions.
Antimicrobial spectrum: Gram+
Beta-lactamase sensitivity: Yes
Administration: Parenteral
Toxicity: Acute allergic reactions
Precautions: Caution in individuals with allergies/asthma
What distinguishes penicillin V from penicillin G?
Penicillin V has an electronegative oxygen, making it more stable in acid and suitable for oral administration
This enhances its bioavailability.
Classify major penicillins based on their beta-lactamase resistance.
Beta-lactamase resistant parenteral: Methicillin, Nafcillin
Beta-lactamase resistant oral: Oxacillin, Cloxacillin, Dicloxacillin
Beta-lactamase sensitive broad-spectrum oral: Ampicillin, Amoxicillin
Beta-lactamase sensitive broad-spectrum parenteral: Piperacillin
What feature of methicillin confers resistance to beta-lactamases?
Methicillin’s two ortho methoxy groups create steric hindrance
This structure makes it resistant to hydrolysis.
Explain why methicillin is unstable in acidic conditions.
Methicillin’s amide carbonyl oxygen becomes more nucleophilic due to electron donation from ortho methoxy groups
This instability leads to hydrolysis in stomach acid.
Characterize methicillin with respect to its antibiotic spectrum.
Spectrum: Narrow
Many bacteria are resistant, leading to its discontinuation
MecA mutation in Staphylococcus aureus confers resistance
Characterize nafcillin regarding beta-lactamase sensitivity and acid stability.
Beta-lactamase sensitivity: Not sensitive
Acid stability: Slightly more stable than methicillin
Identify structural similarities among oxacillin, cloxacillin, and dicloxacillin.
They are all isoxazoles with a NO ring connected to a benzene ring
This structure contributes to their beta-lactamase resistance.
Characterize the antibacterial spectrum of ampicillin.
Ampicillin is sensitive to Gram-negative organisms.