Pharm study guide questions

Antibacterials (antibiotics)

Treat infections caused by bacteria.

Antivirals

Medications that treat infections caused by viruses.

Antifungals

Medications used to treat infections caused by fungi.

Signs of hypersensitivity

Rash, urticaria, pruritus, swelling.

Signs of anaphylactic reactions

Tightness in throat, chest tightness, wheezing, dyspnea.

Superinfections

New infections occurring due to antibiotic use that disrupts normal flora.

Examples of superinfections

Thrush, vaginal yeast infection, pseudomembranous colitis (C. diff).

Culture before first dose

To identify the causative organism for targeted therapy.

Empiric therapy

Treatment based on likely cause of infection before specific bacteria is known.

Definitive therapy

Administration of antibiotics based on known culture and sensitivity results.

Prophylactic therapy

Antibiotics taken before anticipated exposure to prevent infection.

Narrow therapeutic index

Small margin between effective and toxic doses of a drug.

Vancomycin uses

Serious gram-positive infections, severe C. diff (PO), MRSA (IV).

Vancomycin therapeutic trough level

10-20 mcg/mL.

Vancomycin adverse effects

Ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity.

Check before Vancomycin infusion

Trough level, hearing, renal function, IV site.

Red Man Syndrome

Flushing caused by infusing Vancomycin too quickly, not a true allergic reaction.

Metronidazole and alcohol

Avoid alcohol 24 hours before and 36 hours after due to disulfiram-like reaction.

Macrolides

Erythromycin, Azithromycin, Clarithromycin; used for respiratory infections.

Tetracyclines

Antibiotics like Doxycycline and Minocycline; may cause tooth discoloration.

Aminoglycosides

Group of antibiotics including Gentamicin and Neomycin; monitor for nephrotoxicity.

Fluoroquinolones

Antibiotics ending in '-floxacin'; risk of tendon rupture.

Sulfonamides

Antibiotics like SMX-TMP; monitor for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.

Penicillin

Class of antibiotics with various forms; monitor for allergic reactions.

Cephalosporins

Class of antibiotics with cross-sensitivity to penicillin.

Clindamycin

Antibiotic with serious risk of pseudomembranous colitis (C. diff).

Antiviral drugs

Medications for treating viral infections like influenza and herpes.

Antifungal uses

Treat infections caused by fungi, including candidiasis.

Azole adverse effects

Hepatotoxicity and potential drug interactions.

Nystatin administration

Oral lozenge to dissolve in mouth, suspension to swish before swallowing.

Amphotericin B adverse effects

Infusion reactions, nephrotoxicity, hypokalemia.

Cyclosporine

Immunosuppressant used to prevent organ transplant rejection.