Antibacterial Agents Flashcards

Flashcards covering antibacterial agents, their classification, mechanisms, and nursing considerations.

Antibacterial Agents

Drugs used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, also known as antibiotics.

Bactericidal

Kills bacteria (e.g., Penicillins, Cephalosporins).

Bacteriostatic

Inhibits bacterial growth (e.g., Tetracyclines, Macrolides).

Broad-spectrum Antibiotics

Effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., Tetracyclines, Fluoroquinolones).

Narrow-spectrum Antibiotics

Effective against specific bacterial groups (e.g., Penicillin G for Gram-positive bacteria).

Cell Wall Synthesis Inhibitors

Inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell lysis (e.g., Penicillins, Cephalosporins).

Protein Synthesis Inhibitors

Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis (e.g., Macrolides, Aminoglycosides, Tetracyclines).

DNA/RNA Synthesis Inhibitors

Inhibit bacterial DNA/RNA synthesis (e.g., Fluoroquinolones, Rifampin).

Metabolic Pathway Inhibitors

Inhibit folic acid synthesis, essential for bacterial growth (e.g., Sulfonamides, Trimethoprim).

Cell Membrane Disruptors

Disrupt bacterial cell membranes (e.g., Polymyxins).

Beta-Lactams

Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell lysis. Examples include Amoxicillin and Ceftriaxone.

Macrolides

Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit. Examples include Erythromycin and Azithromycin.

Aminoglycosides

Inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, leading to bacterial death. Examples include Gentamicin and Amikacin.

Tetracyclines

Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit. Examples include Doxycycline and Tetracycline.

Fluoroquinolones

Inhibits bacterial DNA synthesis by targeting topoisomerase II and IV. Examples include Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin.

Glycopeptides

Inhibits cell wall synthesis; used for MRSA and Clostridium difficile infections. Example: Vancomycin.

Sulfonamides & Trimethoprim

Inhibits folic acid synthesis, essential for bacterial growth; used for UTIs and Pneumocystis pneumonia. Examples: Co-trimoxazole and Sulfamethoxazole.

Polymyxins

Disrupt bacterial cell membranes by interacting with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and phospholipids in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria.

Fusidic Acid

Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by targeting elongation factor G (EF-G).

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; a common resistant bacteria.