antibiotics

Cephalosporins

Broad-spectrum antibiotics; monitor renal function; avoid alcohol due to disulfiram-like reaction (flushing

Z-track technique

Method for administering deep intramuscular cephalosporins to reduce pain.

Flebitis

Inflammation/infection at the IV site.

CEPHASATE mnemonic

C: Check cross allergy

Fluoroquinolones

Broad-spectrum antibiotics effective against gram-negative bacteria; inhibit bacterial DNA enzymes preventing replication; used for complicated UTI

Fluoroquinolone suffix

-floxacin.

Tendon rupture risk

Major side effect of fluoroquinolones; high-risk in elderly

Drug interactions

Fluoroquinolones absorption blocked by antacids

QT prolongation

Fluoroquinolones may affect heart rhythm; avoid in patients taking amiodarone

Photosensitivity

Fluoroquinolones may cause sunburn risk; avoid direct sunlight

Blood sugar effect

Fluoroquinolones may cause hypo- or hyperglycemia; monitor diabetic patients.

Caffeine interaction

Fluoroquinolones decrease caffeine breakdown causing nervousness

FLOOR CUTT mnemonic

F: Food binds

Penicillin

Antibiotics that inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis; effective against gram-positive bacteria (staph

Natural penicillins

Penicillin G (benzathine: long-acting IM for syphilis

Extended spectrum penicillins

Amoxicillin and Ampicillin; effective for respiratory

Penicillinase-resistant antibiotics

Nafcillin (IV) and Oxacillin (IM/IV); effective against penicillin-resistant staphylococcus.

PENICILLIN mnemonic

P: Prevents bacterial cell wall synthesis

Sulfonamides

Bacteriostatic antibiotics; inhibit folic acid synthesis (PABA) needed for DNA/RNA; used for UTI

Examples of sulfonamides

Cotrimoxazole (common

Nursing considerations for sulfonamides

Check allergies (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)

Tetracyclines

Semisynthetic bacteriostatic antibiotics; inhibit bacterial protein synthesis; used for respiratory

Examples of tetracyclines

Doxycycline (oral/IV)

Nursing considerations for tetracyclines

Avoid in children <8 and pregnant patients (teeth/bone effects)

TETRACYCLINE mnemonic

T: Teeth caution

Antimycobacterials

Antibiotics targeting mycobacteria (tuberculosis

First-line anti-TB drugs

Ethambutol (cell wall synthesis inhibitor)

Second-line anti-TB drugs

Bedaquiline (inhibits bacterial ATP enzyme

Leprostatic medications

Dapsone; inhibits folic acid synthesis

Nursing considerations antimycobacterials

Monitor for allergies

Ketolides

Antibiotics inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; example: Telithromycin.

Lincosamides

Antibiotics inhibiting protein synthesis; examples: Clindamycin

Lipoglycopeptides

Semisynthetic vancomycin derivatives; inhibit bacterial cell wall polymerization; example: Telavancin.

Oxazolidones

Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis; effective against vancomycin-resistant strains; examples: Linezolid

Macrolides

Bind ribosomal subunit

Rifampin effect

Causes harmless orange discoloration of urine; patient education required.