High-Yield Antibiotic Flashcards – Part 4: Final Review & Drug Comparisons

Which antibiotic class causes tooth discoloration in children and should never be given during pregnancy?

Tetracyclines (especially doxycycline and tetracycline).

Which two antibiotic classes have the highest risk of C. diff superinfection?

Clindamycin and fluoroquinolones.

Which antibiotic should never be taken with alcohol due to severe vomiting and flushing?

Metronidazole (Flagyl) — and some cephalosporins can cause the same Antabuse-like reaction.

What is the difference between bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics?

Bactericidal drugs kill bacteria (e.g., penicillin, aminoglycosides); bacteriostatic drugs inhibit growth (e.g., tetracyclines, sulfonamides).

What antibiotic is safest for patients with penicillin allergy?

Vancomycin, erythromycin (macrolide), or clindamycin.

Which antibiotic is used for C. diff infections but only works when given orally?

Vancomycin (oral form).

Which antibiotic can cause “Red Man Syndrome” if infused too quickly?

Vancomycin.

Which antibiotics are known to cause QT prolongation and arrhythmias?

Fluoroquinolones (Cipro, Levaquin) and Macrolides (Azithromycin, Erythromycin).

Which antibiotic classes have the same toxicities of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity?

Aminoglycosides and Vancomycin.

What are the main signs of ototoxicity to report immediately?

Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness, or new hearing loss.

Which antibiotics are contraindicated in renal failure due to accumulation risk?

Aminoglycosides, Vancomycin, and older tetracyclines.

Which antibiotic is safe for lower UTIs but ineffective for kidney infections?

Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid).

Which antibiotics are best for MRSA coverage (oral options)?

Doxycycline, Clindamycin, and Bactrim (TMP/SMX).

Which IV antibiotic is the gold standard for MRSA infections?

Vancomycin (IV form).

What key teaching should be given to patients on fluoroquinolones regarding physical activity?

Avoid heavy lifting or exercise — tendon rupture can occur even with mild movement.

Which two antibiotic classes inhibit bacterial protein synthesis but at different ribosomal subunits?

Aminoglycosides (30S subunit) and Macrolides/Clindamycin (50S subunit).

What class of antibiotics should be separated from calcium, iron, magnesium, or antacids?

Tetracyclines — they form insoluble chelates that block absorption.

What two antibiotics can be used for both MRSA and UTI coverage?

Bactrim (TMP/SMX) and Doxycycline.

What is the most important nursing responsibility when administering any IV antibiotic?

Monitor for allergic reactions during the first 15–30 minutes and stop the infusion immediately if any occur.