Medication Therapy for Bacterial Infections – Part 2 (Anti-parasitic, Antifungal & Antiviral Drugs)

Question-and-answer flashcards covering core concepts, drug mechanisms, uses, adverse reactions, nursing interventions, and patient teaching for antiparasitic, antifungal, and antiviral medications discussed in the lecture.

What is a parasite?

An organism that lives on or inside a host’s blood cells, organs, or structures and derives nutrients at the host’s expense.

Where do parasites typically reside inside the human body?

In blood cells, organs, or specific structures such as the intestines or vagina.

Give three clinical examples of parasitic infections.

Malaria, helminth (intestinal worms) infections, and Trichomonas infections of the reproductive tract.

Metronidazole (Flagyl) belongs to which pharmacologic class?

Anti-infective, antiprotozoal drug.

How does Metronidazole exert its antimicrobial action?

By damaging DNA inside anaerobic organisms.

List three therapeutic uses for Metronidazole.

Treatment of trichomoniasis, giardiasis, and intestinal or systemic amebiasis.

If a patient cannot swallow regular Metronidazole tablets, what can be done?

The regular immediate-release tablets may be crushed and administered.

Why must sustained-release Metronidazole capsules remain intact?

Crushing or chewing them destroys the controlled-release property and alters absorption.

For optimal absorption, when should Metronidazole be taken relative to meals?

1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Name two severe central nervous system reactions possible with Metronidazole.

Seizures and peripheral neuropathy.

Which substance must patients strictly avoid while using Metronidazole?

Alcohol (because of a disulfiram-like reaction).

Chloroquine (Aralen) is classified as what type of drug?

An antimalarial (antiprotozoal).

For which purpose is Chloroquine commonly prescribed prophylactically?

Prevention of malaria in travelers to endemic areas.

What are typical visual adverse effects caused by Chloroquine therapy?

Blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or other visual changes.

Which teaching point helps patients reduce Chloroquine-related visual discomfort?

Wear sunglasses and report any persistent vision changes to the provider.

Name the two major categories of antifungal drugs.

1) Polyene antibiotics and 2) Azoles.

What environmental conditions favor fungal growth?

Damp, dark areas where fungi can feed on dead tissue.

How does Amphotericin B disrupt fungal cells?

It interrupts the integrity of fungal cell walls, causing leakage of intracellular components.

IV Amphotericin B is reserved for what type of infections?

Severe systemic fungal infections, including serious Candida infections.

Which two pre-medications are usually administered before an Amphotericin B infusion?

Diphenhydramine and acetaminophen to reduce infusion reactions.

Which laboratory values should be monitored for renal toxicity during Amphotericin B therapy?

BUN, serum creatinine, potassium, and magnesium levels.

What serious blood disorder can result from Amphotericin B use?

Red blood cell suppression (anemia).

Ketoconazole belongs to which antifungal class?

Azole antifungal.

Identify two systemic adverse effects associated with oral Ketoconazole.

Hepatotoxicity and significant gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation).

Why must patients avoid antacids while taking oral Ketoconazole?

Antacids raise gastric pH and reduce ketoconazole absorption, lowering effectiveness.

Which liver-related symptoms should patients promptly report when on Ketoconazole?

Abdominal pain, jaundice, unusual fatigue, or loss of appetite.

Why are viruses more difficult to treat with typical antibiotics?

Because viruses reside inside host cells, so agents that kill the virus can also harm host cells.

Acyclovir is classified as what kind of antiviral agent?

A purine analog antiviral.

What is Acyclovir’s mechanism of action?

It inhibits viral DNA replication, limiting viral reproduction.

How is Acyclovir used in severe infections among immunocompromised patients?

Administered intravenously for systemic control of severe viral infections.

Name two nephrotoxic risks linked to IV Acyclovir.

Renal tubular crystallization leading to renal toxicity and increased risk when combined with other nephrotoxic drugs.

What advice helps reduce GI symptoms from oral Acyclovir?

Take the medication with food.

Which drug interaction can heighten Acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity?

Concurrent use with probenecid or other nephrotoxic agents (e.g., aminoglycosides).

What topical care instructions should accompany Acyclovir cream use?

Avoid scratching the site, keep the drug out of eyes, and wash hands before and after application.

List two key nursing interventions when administering IV Acyclovir.

Infuse slowly with adequate hydration, monitor BUN/creatinine and the IV site for thrombophlebitis or infiltration.