Penicillin

Question 1

Penicillin (PCN)

Mechanism of action

Answer 1

“beta-lactams” natural (PCN G and PCN V)
-kills bacteria by disrupting their cell walls (batericidal)
-most effective against gram-positive bacteria
(streptococci and staphylococci)

Question 2

Primary Use

Answer 2

meningitis. skin, bone and joint infections
blood and valve infections
gas gangrene
tetanus
anthrax

Question 3

Adverse effects

Answer 3

safest class of antibiotics, bacteria can become reisistant
allergy possible (less than 4% of population)
lowered red/white blood cell and platelet enzymes

Question 4

other information

Answer 4

some bacteria produce enzyme ( Penicillinase) destroying PCN thus not being effective and become resistant to PCN

Question 5

Penicillin G

Answer 5

3 formulations (IM or IV)
Primary use: streptococci, pneumococci, staphylococci, meningitis, syphilis
Adverse effects: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, superinfections, allergic reaction (minutes to weeks) & pain at injection site
Only 15-30% of oral penicillin is absorbed
PCN can block action of aminoglycoside ABX
Contraindication  hypersensitivity PCN class
Excreted extensively by kidneys
May  effectiveness oral contraceptives
Anaphylaxis symptoms: angioedema, circulatory collapse, respiratory failure, & cardiac arrest

Question 6

oxacillin, dicloxacillin, nafcillin, oxacillin

Answer 6

Penicillinase-resistant effective

Good in skin infections

Question 7

ampicillin & amoxicillin

Answer 7

Broad-spectrum

URIs, GU & Sinus infections

Question 8

piperacillin & ticarcillin

Answer 8

Extended-spectrum
Effective when amoxicillin can’t control/kill
Klebsiella, Enterobacter, & Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Question 9

Beta-lactamase inhibitors:

Answer 9

Specific combinations
Broad spectrum:  
amoxicillin & clavulanate  (Augmentin) 
ampicillin & sulbactam (Unasyn)
Extended spectrum
piperacillin & tazobactam (Zosyn)