Chapter 26: Penicillins, Other Beta-Lactams, and Cephalosporins

Vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions, classification of bacteria, antibacterial actions, penicillin groups, and cephalosporin generations from Chapter 26.

Bacilli

Elongated or rod-shaped bacteria.

Cocci

Spherical bacteria.

Staphylococci

Cocci that appear in clusters.

Streptococci

Cocci that are arranged in chains.

Antibacterials

Substances that inhibit bacterial growth or kill bacteria and other microorganisms.

Antibiotics

Chemicals produced by one kind of microorganism to inhibit bacterial growth or kill bacteria.

Bacteriostatic drugs

Drugs that inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Bactericidal drugs

Drugs that kill bacteria.

Cross-resistance

Resistance that can occur between antibacterial drugs with similar actions.

Additive Effect

An antibacterial combination effect where the overall effect is doubled.

Potentiative Effect

An antibacterial combination effect where one drug potentiates the effect of another.

Antagonistic Effect

An antibacterial combination effect occurring when a bactericidal and a bacteriostatic drug are added together, potentially reducing the desired effect.

Superinfection

A secondary infection that occurs when normal flora is killed, usually affecting the mouth, skin, respiratory tract, genitourinary tract, or intestines.

Narrow Spectrum Antibacterials

Antibacterials that are primarily effective against one specific type of bacteria (e.g., penicillin, erythromycin).

Broad Spectrum Antibacterials

Antibacterials that are effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (e.g., tetracycline, cephalosporins).

Basic Penicillins

Narrow-spectrum penicillins effective against gram-positive and a few gram-negative bacteria, used to treat conditions such as anthrax, diphtheria, scarlet fever, and endocarditis.

Broad-Spectrum Penicillins

Penicillins effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Shigella dysenteriae, Proteus mirabilis, and Salmonella species.

Penicillinase-Resistant Penicillins

Narrow-spectrum penicillins effective against gram-positive bacteria and penicillinase-producing Staphylococcus aureus.

Extended-Spectrum Penicillins

Penicillins effective against gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus, Serratia species, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter, and Acinetobacter species.

Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors

Agents that inhibit bacterial beta-lactamases to extend antimicrobial spectrum; they are not given alone but combined with penicillinase-sensitive penicillins.

First-Generation Cephalosporins

Cephalosporins effective against mostly gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria that are destroyed by beta-lactamases.

Second-Generation Cephalosporins

Cephalosporins effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, with only some being affected by beta-lactamases.

Third-Generation Cephalosporins

Broad-spectrum cephalosporins that are resistant to beta-lactamases and effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Fourth-Generation Cephalosporins

Broad-spectrum cephalosporins that are highly resistant to destruction by beta-lactamases and have good penetration to cerebrospinal fluid.

Fifth-Generation Cephalosporins

Broad-spectrum cephalosporins that are highly resistant to destruction by beta-lactamases.

Disulfiram-like Reaction

A reaction characterized by flushing, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and muscular cramps that can occur when alcohol is consumed with cephalosporins.