16-25 General Pharmacology, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-infectives

Gentamicin — Class?

Aminoglycoside

Gentamicin — Main infection target?

Serious Gram-negative infection

Gentamicin — Major adverse effect to monitor?

Nephrotoxicity + Ototoxicity (hearing loss)

Nursing action for Gentamicin?

Monitor renal function and hearing

Azithromycin — Class?

Macrolide

Azithromycin — Main infection target?

Respiratory tract infection

Azithromycin — Adverse effect?

QT interval prolongation

Nursing action for Azithromycin?

Assess cardiac history (esp. QT risk)

Doxycycline — Class?

Tetracycline

Doxycycline — Main infection target?

Respiratory + tick-borne infections

Doxycycline — Adverse effect?

Photosensitivity

Nursing action for Doxycycline?

Advise sun protection

Doxycycline — Important warning?

Avoid in pregnancy and young children (unless specific exception)

Ciprofloxacin — Class?

Fluoroquinolone

Ciprofloxacin — Main infection target?

Urinary tract infection

Ciprofloxacin — Adverse effect?

Tendon rupture

Nursing action for Ciprofloxacin?

Instruct patients to report tendon pain

Ciprofloxacin — Drug/food interaction note?

Separate from calcium, iron, and dairy

Metronidazole — Class?

Nitroimidazole

Metronidazole — Main infection target?

Anaerobic and protozoal infections

Metronidazole — Adverse effect (reaction)?

Disulfiram-like reaction

Nursing instruction for Metronidazole about alcohol?

Avoid alcohol during therapy + 48–72 hours after completion

Common side note with Metronidazole?

Metallic taste

Co-trimoxazole (D) Drug Classification?

Sulfonamide combination antibiotic

Co-trimoxazole (R) Reason for Use?

Urinary tract infection

Co-trimoxazole (U) Unsafe Effect?

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Co-trimoxazole (G) Good Nursing Care?

Encourage adequate hydration

Co-trimoxazole ⭐ Drug Master Tip?

Report rash immediately

Meropenem (D) Drug Classification?

Carbapenem antibiotic

Meropenem (R) Reason for Use?

Severe multidrug-resistant infection

Meropenem (U) Unsafe Effect?

Seizures (higher risk in predisposed patients)

Meropenem (G) Good Nursing Care?

Monitor neurologic status in high-risk patients

Meropenem ⭐ Drug Master Tip?

Reserved for serious infections to help reduce antimicrobial resistance

Fluconazole (D) Drug Classification?

Azole antifungal

Fluconazole (R) Reason for Use?

Candidiasis

Fluconazole (U) Unsafe Effect?

Hepatotoxicity

Fluconazole (G) Good Nursing Care?

Monitor liver function if prolonged therapy

Fluconazole ⭐ Drug Master Tip?

Inform about important drug interactions

Acyclovir (D) Drug Classification?

Antiviral

Acyclovir (R) Reason for Use?

Herpes simplex / varicella-zoster virus infection

Acyclovir (U) Unsafe Effect?

Nephrotoxicity

Acyclovir (G) Good Nursing Care?

Encourage adequate hydration

Acyclovir ⭐ Drug Master Tip?

Early treatment improves effectiveness

Albendazole (D) Drug Classification?

Anthelmintic

Albendazole (R) Reason for Use?

Helminthic infection

Albendazole (U) Unsafe Effect?

Hepatotoxicity

Albendazole (G) Good Nursing Care?

Monitor liver function for prolonged courses

Albendazole ⭐ Drug Master Tip?

Some parasitic infections require treatment of household contacts as advised