Pharmacy Technician Top 200 Week 1

Bacterial infections

Occur when the body’s immune system is unable to resist bacteria.

Multi-drug resistant infections

An infection caused by bacteria that is resistant to one or more drug classifications.

Pneumonia

An infection that causes acute inflammation in the airways of the lung, blocking them with thick mucus.

MRSA

An example of a multi-drug-resistant infection (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

Penicillins MOA

Prevent bacteria from forming a cell wall.

Penicillins Indications

Used for abscesses, meningitis, otitis media, pneumonia, respiratory infections, and prophylaxis.

Penicillins Adverse reactions

Include diarrhea, hives, rash, wheezing, and anaphylaxis.

Penicillins Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to β-lactams, seizure disorders, renal impairment.

Special considerations for penicillins

Take on an empty stomach with water; avoid colas or juices.

Cephalosporins MOA

Prevent bacteria from forming a cell wall.

Cephalosporins Indications

Used for dental work, heart and pacemaker procedures, orthopedic surgery, pneumonia, URIs, and sinus infections.

Cephalosporins Adverse reactions

Include diarrhea, hives, rash, wheezing, and anaphylaxis.

Cephalosporins Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to penicillin, history of GI problems, renal impairment.

Cross-sensitivity

Approximately 10% of the population may have a cross-sensitivity to penicillin.

Tetracyclines MOA

Inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria by binding ribosomes.

Tetracyclines Indications

Used for acne, chronic bronchitis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, “walking” pneumonia, and prophylaxis for traveler’s diarrhea.

Tetracyclines Adverse reactions

GI issues such as nausea and vomiting; photosensitivity to sunlight.

Tetracyclines Contraindications

Pregnancy, renal or hepatic impairment.

Special considerations for tetracyclines

Not for pregnant women due to dental birth defects; expired tetracycline may cause toxicity.

Macrolides MOA

Inhibit protein synthesis by interacting with ribosomes.

Macrolides Indications

Used for pulmonary infections, Chlamydia, and Haemophilus influenzae.

Macrolides Adverse reactions

May cause GI distress.

Macrolides Contraindications

Hepatic or renal impairment, QT prolongation.

Special considerations for macrolides

Take with food; clarithromycin may cause a metallic taste.

Quinolones MOA

Antagonize an enzyme required for DNA synthesis, causing DNA breakage and death.

Quinolones Indications

Used for bone and joint infections, dental work, infectious diarrhea, URIs, and UTIs.

Quinolones Adverse reactions

Include nausea, vomiting, joint swelling, and dizziness.

Quinolones Contraindications

Myasthenia gravis, patients younger than 18, and older than 60 years.

Special considerations for quinolones

Not for pregnant women; antacids interfere with absorption.

Antifungals

Treat fungal infections caused by single-cell organisms without chlorophyll.

Antifungals MOA

Prevent synthesis of ergosterol and inhibit fungal cytochrome P450.

Antifungals Adverse reactions

Liver toxicities, GI distress, photosensitivity, rashes, and nausea.

Special considerations for antifungals

Consume cola before taking itraconazole; fatty meals with griseofulvin.

Tinea infection

A fungal infection of the skin or feet.

Antifungals usage

May be used as either topical or systemic agents.