Pharmacology: Antibiotics & Antifungals Overview

Practice flashcards covering generic names, suffixes, mechanisms of action, side effects, and patient education for major antibiotic and antifungal classes.

Sulfonamides

A class of bacteriostatic antibiotics that inhibit folic acid production in bacteria, examples include sulfadiazine and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim).

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)

A serious side effect of sulfonamides and cephalosporins characterized by a red, blistering rash and flu-like symptoms.

Fluoroquinolones

A class of bactericidal antibiotics ending in -floxacin, such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, known for obstructing bacterial DNA reproduction.

Achilles Tendon Rupture

A severe adverse effect associated with fluoroquinolones; the memory trick is the tendon is near the 'FLOOR' and can rupture due to 'FLUORoquinolones.'

Bacteriostatic

Antibiotics that slow or prevent the growth of bacteria, such as tetracyclines, macrolides, and sulfonamides.

Bactericidal

Antibiotics that kill bacteria, including aminoglycosides, penicillin, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and vancomycin.

Culture & Sensitivity Test

A procedure used to identify germs (Culture) and the correct treatment (Sensitivity) that must always be obtained BEFORE administering an antibiotic.

Superinfection

A secondary infection caused when antibiotics disrupt the body's 'normal flora.'

Tetracyclines

Bacteriostatic antibiotics ending in -cycline that are contraindicated for children under $8$ years old due to permanent tooth discoloration.

Pill-induced esophagitis

A side effect of tetracyclines requiring patients to sit upright for $30$ minutes and take with a glass of water to avoid esophageal scarring.

Aminoglycosides

Potent bactericidal antibiotics like gentamicin and neomycin characterized as 'A MEAN antibiotic' due to harmful side effects like nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.

Nephrotoxicity

Kidney damage indicated by increased BUN and creatinine levels, or a urinary output of less than $30\,mL$ per hour.

Ototoxicity

Injury to the ears caused by medications like aminoglycosides, resulting in tinnitus, vertigo, or permanent hearing loss.

Penicillins

Bactericidal $\beta$-lactam antibiotics ending in -cillin that destroy the bacterial cell wall; examples include amoxicillin and piperacillin/tazobactam.

Cross-Sensitivity

The assessment for allergies to related drug classes, notably between penicillins and cephalosporins, or sulfonamides and sulfonylureas/diuretics.

Cephalosporins

Bactericidal antibiotics with the prefix CEF- or CEPH- that can cause a Disulfiram-like reaction if alcohol is consumed during treatment.

Vancomycin

A glycopeptide antibiotic used for strong infections like MRSA and C. diff; requires monitoring of peak and trough levels.

Vancomycin flushing syndrome

Formerly known as Red man syndrome, this occurs when vancomycin is infused too quickly (less than $60\,minutes$), causing hypotension and a red rash.

Vancomycin Trough Level

The lowest concentration of the drug in the patient's body, which must be drawn prior to the next dose with a target range of $5-15\,mcg/mL$.

Nystatin

An antifungal medication used to eliminate Candida (thrush) that should be swished in the mouth for several minutes and then swallowed.

Macrolides

Bacteriostatic antibiotics such as azithromycin and erythromycin that can cause prolonged QT interval and hepatotoxicity.

Photosensitivity Education

Instruction for patients taking fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, or sulfa drugs to wear sunscreen ($SPF\,30$ or above), avoid direct sun, and wear protective clothing.