Antimicrobial Agents

A comprehensive set of flashcards on antimicrobial agents, including definitions and examples.

Antimicrobial Agents

Substances that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Bactericidal

Antibacterial agents that kill bacteria.

Bacteriostatic

Agents that inhibit the reproduction and growth of bacteria.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain white blood cells (leukocytes and macrophages) engulf and digest microorganisms.

Penicillin

An antibiotic obtained from the Penicillium fungus, effective against Gram-positive bacteria.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics

Antibiotics that are effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

First generation penicillins

Effective against Gram-positive cocci, examples include Penicillin G and V.

Second generation penicillins

Effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, examples include Ampicillin and Amoxicillin.

Third generation penicillins

Have a wider range of efficacy and are used against pseudomonas infections.

Fourth generation penicillins

More potent than earlier generations, used against a wider range of bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Cephalosporins

A class of antibiotics similar to penicillins that interfere with bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Aminoglycosides

Bactericidal antibiotics effective against Gram-negative bacilli, examples include Gentamicin and Neomycin.

Tetracyclines

Broad-spectrum antibiotics that inhibit bacterial protein synthesis and are contraindicated in pregnant women and children under 7.

Sulfonamides

Antibiotics effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria; resistance has developed due to widespread use.

Isoniazid

An antibiotic used in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Antimycotics

Medications used to treat infections caused by fungi.

Antiviral drugs

Medications used to combat viral infections by inhibiting viral replication.

Antihelmintics

Drugs used to treat infections caused by parasitic worms.

Antiprotozoal drugs

Drugs that interfere with the metabolism of protozoa and inhibit their replication.