Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Agents

Tetracyclines

A group of antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis. They should not be taken with milk or calcium as it decreases their absorption. Tetracyclines are commonly used to treat Rocky Mountain spotted fever and acne, but they are contraindicated in children and pregnancy due to the risk of permanent teeth discoloration.

Macrolides

A group of antibiotics that inhibit protein synthesis. They have a long half-life and are used to treat Legionnaires, Pertussis, Lyme disease, and Typhoid. Common side effects include upset stomach. Erythromycin, a macrolide, should be taken on an empty stomach and enteric coated. Macrolides are safe for children and pregnancy.

Sulfonamides

A group of antibiotics that are bacteriostatic. They should be used with caution in patients with renal failure. Sulfonamides are commonly used as prophylaxis for pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in AIDS patients.

Silver sulfadiazine

A cream used to treat burns. It can increase clotting time when taken with coumadin, so caution should be exercised. Watch for bruising while using this cream.

Urinary antiseptics

A group of antibiotics that are bactericidal. Macrodantin is the drug of choice for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). Phenazopyridine (AZO) is an over-the-counter medication used for pain relief associated with UTIs. Its side effect is orange urine and clothing staining. It should not be taken for longer than two days.

Clindamycin

An antibiotic used to treat Anthrax and Malaria. It carries a black box warning for C. difficile infection.

Linezolid (Zyvox)

An antibiotic used to treat vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) or serious infections. It can have serious reactions with certain foods and beverages.

Metronidazole (Flagyl)

An antiprotozoan drug used for suspected gastrointestinal (GI) infections. It may cause a metallic taste in the mouth.

Streptogramins

Antibiotics used to treat vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE), methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), and Streptococcus pyogenes in life-threatening situations.

Vancomycin

An antibiotic that can be taken orally or intravenously. It is nephrotoxic and can cause red man syndrome. Monitoring for signs of nephrotoxicity is important.

Daptomycin

An antibiotic used to treat complicated skin infections or endocarditis.

Tuberculosis

A disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis. Approximately 20% of AIDS patients develop TB. Noncompliance with treatment can lead to institutionalization. TB is treated with a combination of Isoniazid and Rifampin. Rifampin causes red discoloration of body fluids, and monitoring for hepatotoxicity and peripheral neuropathy is necessary.

Isoniazid

An antibiotic given in combination with Rifampin for active TB. It can also be given alone as a prophylactic treatment. Isoniazid may cause peripheral neuropathy, which can be avoided by taking pyridoxine (vitamin B6).

Rifampin

An antibiotic given in combination with Isoniazid for active TB. It causes red discoloration of body fluids and should be monitored for hepatotoxicity.

Hepatotoxicity

A condition that usually occurs within the first 8 weeks of TB treatment. Monitoring liver function is important.

Peripheral neuropathy

A side effect of Isoniazid. It can be avoided by taking pyridoxine (vitamin B6).

Older adults

May have more liver problems with TB treatment. Monitoring liver function is important.

Antacids

Should be avoided while on TB treatment.

Alcohol

Should be avoided while on TB treatment.

Tyramine foods

Should be avoided while on TB treatment.

Birth control

Additional methods should be used while on TB treatment.

Compliance

Should be monitored if institutionalized by observing medication intake.