Pharmacology Exam Review

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts from pharmacology related to antibiotics, mechanisms of action, resistance mechanisms, and specific drug characteristics.

What is the mechanism of action of Vancomycin?

Inhibits cell wall biosynthesis by binding to D-ala-D-ala peptides in peptidoglycan.

Which enzyme does Fluconazole target?

14-alpha demethylase.

What feature of the statin core is important in HIV protease inhibitors?

It mimics the tetrahedral intermediate of the substrate on the enzyme, allowing tight binding to the enzyme.

Which antibacterial agent inhibits the synthesis of peptidoglycans?

Fosfomycin.

What is the action of nucleoside inhibitors of reverse transcriptase?

They cause chain termination by being incorporated into the DNA chain.

Which mechanism is used by Terbinafine?

Inhibits squalene epoxidase, blocking ergosterol biosynthesis.

Why can azole antifungals cause drug interactions?

They bind to hepatic CYP enzymes.

What is the mechanism of action of beta-lactams?

They inhibit transpeptidase, blocking crosslinking of the peptidoglycan.

Which antimicrobial agent mimics D-ala-D-ala structure?

Vancomycin.

What is aminoglycosides' mechanism of action?

They bind to the ribosome and cause mistranslation of mRNA.

Which antibiotic would be safe for a patient allergic to sulfa drugs?

Erythromycin.

How does VanA mediate vancomycin resistance?

It alters the peptidoglycan layer to remove the bond with vancomycin.

What is the role of beta-lactamase?

To hydrolyze beta-lactams, rendering them ineffective.

Which drug class prevents protein from exiting the ribosome?

Macrolides.

What is the action of nitroimidazoles?

They form DNA radicals that lead to DNA degradation.

What is Amphotericin B's mechanism of action?

It binds to ergosterol in fungal membranes, causing membrane leakage.

Which statement about beta-lactamase is incorrect?

Beta-lactamases cannot hydrolyze beta-lactams.

What is the main action of aminoglycosides?

They cause mistranslation of mRNA.

What does prolonged beta-lactam infusion accomplish?

It maintains drug levels above the MIC for more extended periods, improving efficacy.

What is the significance of the 2020 vancomycin guidelines?

They shifted from trough dosing to AUC/MIC to reduce nephrotoxicity.

Which antibiotic targets Acinetobacter baumannii?

Levofloxacin.

Which agent is effective against Bacteroides species?

Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid.

What principle underlies combination therapy in antimicrobial treatment?

Increased organism coverage and prevention of resistance emergence.

Which of these agents covers atypical organisms?

Doxycycline.

What is the result of a Gram stain on Gram-positive organisms?

They stain purple because of their thick peptidoglycan layer.

What distinguishing feature do fluoroquinolones have?

They exhibit concentration-dependent killing.