Pharmacology of Infectious Diseases and Reproductive Health

A set of 75 flashcards based on lecture notes covering critical concepts in pharmacology related to infectious diseases and reproductive health.

What are the two classes of medications to treat TB?

Antiretroviral medications, specifically one must include at least two classes.

What is the first class of drugs used in treating HIV?

Nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

What is the desired effect of nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors?

To create defective DNA.

What are some early adverse effects of antiretroviral medications?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue.

What are some long-term adverse effects of antiretroviral medications?

Lipodystrophy, hepatomegaly, and bone marrow suppression.

Why should antivirals like acyclovir be administered within 72 hours of symptom onset?

To increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

What is a key symptom of influenza?

Fatigue, fever, chills, sore throat, and sneezing.

Who should be given Tamiflu?

Individuals over age 65, pregnant women, and those with chronic health issues.

What happens if HIV is untreated?

It will progress to AIDS.

What is AIDS?

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

What body fluids can transmit HIV?

Blood, semen, saliva, and through broken skin or mucous membranes.

What are the initial symptoms of HIV during its latent phase?

Often none; but can later present as cough, fever, weight loss, and night sweats.

What cells does HIV primarily target?

CD4 cells.

What is a critical therapeutic goal when treating HIV?

To decrease the viral load and increase CD4 counts.

What should a pregnant woman with HIV do to prevent perinatal transmission?

Start antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible.

What to do after a needlestick injury involving potential HIV exposure?

Report it and start prophylactic therapy within 72 hours.

What is the antibiotic class that includes penicillin?

Bactericidal antibiotics.

Which penicillin is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic?

Penicillin G.

What is a common side effect of penicillin?

Gastrointestinal upset, including n/v, and potential superinfections.

What should be monitored while a patient is on aminoglycosides?

BUN and creatinine levels.

What serious risk is associated with Gentamycin?

Ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

What is the purpose of culture and sensitivity testing?

To identify the specific bacteria causing infection and the most effective antibiotic.

What can happen if someone has a penicillin allergy?

Potential for cross-sensitivity to cephalosporins.

What does the term bacteriostatic mean?

It stops the replication of bacteria but does not kill them.

What can happen if tetracycline is taken with dairy products?

Absorption of the medication is decreased.

What is the role of red man syndrome?

It is an adverse effect from rapid vancomycin infusion, characterized by flushing and rash.

What is important regarding the administration of antiretroviral medications?

They must be taken consistently at the same time each day.

What is a significant risk associated with high-dose macrolides?

Cardiotoxicity, which can lead to new dysrhythmias.

What unique characteristic does HCV have compared to other hepatitis types?

No vaccine is available for Hepatitis C.

What is the common route of transmission for Hepatitis A?

Fecal-oral route.

What is the main effect of the estrogen hormone?

It is responsible for female secondary sexual characteristics and maturation of sex organs.

What do progestins do during menstruation?

They prepare the endometrium for potential implantation.

What happens during menopause?

There is a progressive decrease in estrogen secretion.

What is plan B concerning contraception?

It is an emergency contraceptive taken to prevent ovulation.

What are common symptoms of menopause?

Hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

What type of contraception is Orth-Novum?

Combination pill of estrogen and progestin.

What are antibiotics that require peak and trough monitoring?

Gentamycin and Vancomycin.

What are systemic signs of infection?

Chills, fever, redness, heat, swelling, and increased WBC count.

What is the effect of high levels of progesterone and estrogen in the menstrual cycle?

They provide negative feedback to shut off GNRH, FSH, and LH secretion.

What should patients using tetracyclines be advised against?

Taking the medication with dairy products to avoid decreased absorption.

What do aminoglycosides like Gentamycin inhibit?

Protein synthesis in bacteria.

What are some common side effects of Sulfonamides?

Nausea, vomiting, and potential allergic reactions.

What is Chlamydia treated with?

Macrolides, particularly azithromycin.

What characterizes opportunistic infections in HIV patients?

Infections that arise due to a weakened immune system.

What type of pathogens can cause disease?

Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and parasites.

How do pathogens cause disease?

Through invasiveness or production of toxins.

What increases the risk of infections in immunocompromised patients?

Immunosuppressants, aging, stress, and malnutrition.

What is the classification of infectious diseases?

Communicable and non-communicable.

What defines nosocomial infections?

Infections acquired in a hospital setting.

What are Gram-positive bacteria's defining characteristics?

Thick and rigid cell walls.

How does prophylactic antibiotic therapy work?

It is used prior to surgery to prevent infections.

What signifies a superinfection?

A new infection occurring while a patient is being treated for a primary infection.

What should be done in case of an unprotected sexual encounter?

Administer emergency contraception as soon as possible.

What does incomplete compliance in HIV treatment lead to?

HIV treatment failures and increased viral load.

What is the significance of a serum creatinine level?

It indicates kidney function, which is critical in med dosage.

What should be monitored during Nitrofurantoin treatment?

Signs of peripheral neuropathy.

What are cytotoxic medications for chemotherapy commonly used for?

To treat various types of cancers.