Module 4: Drugs for Infections and Cytokines

Vocabulary flashcards covering antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal drugs along with cytokines based on the lecture tables.

Penicillin

Broad-spectrum antibacterial drug targeting Gram-positive cell wall (cocci). Administered IM, IV, or orally (should NOT be taken with meals, except amoxicillin). Side effects include Type 1 Hypersensitive (IgE) and drug toxicity in CSF.

Vancomycin

Drug of choice for severe staphylococcal infections targeting Gram-positive cell wall synthesis and membrane for sepsis/endocarditis. Administered via capsule, nasal inhaler, or IV. Side effects include skin rash, nausea, vomiting, toxicity in long-term corticosteroid use, and resistant enterococci.

Tetracyclines

Broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs (Chromycin, Apo-Tetra, NoVo tetra, Panmycin) that inhibit protein synthesis on ribosomes (+/-). Administered via tablets, IV, or topically. Side effects include injection site DVT risk, liver toxicity (renal impairment), and deformities if given to pregnant women or children.

Chloramphenicol

Broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that binds to ribosomes and inhibits protein synthesis in aerobic/anaerobic (-/+) bacteria. Administered orally, sparingly used for rickettsial infections (typhus and Rocky Mountain fever); can cause gray baby syndrome.

Tobramycin

Aminoglycoside (Nebcin, TOBI) used when penicillin is ineffective; inhibits protein synthesis in Gram-negative and Gram-positive (staphylococci) bacteria. Administered topically, via injections, or inhalers. Side effects include hearing loss, dizziness, and optic nerve damage with prolonged use.

Kanamycin and Neomycin

Aminoglycosides that inhibit protein synthesis in Gram-negative rods (E. coli). Administered via capsule or injection. Toxicity includes elevated BUN, vertigo, and tinnitus. Polymyxin serves as an alternative drug to kanamycin for UTIs.

Gentamicin

Aminoglycoside administered IM or IV that inhibits protein synthesis in Gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli. Causes renal impairment and should NOT be given to pregnant women.

Sulfonamides

Antibacterial agents that inhibit folic acid needed for nitrogenous bases; mostly used for UTI, as well as DM, edema, and gout. Administered via tablets or injection. Side effects include kidney damage, anemia from RBC and WBC destruction, and contraindications for pregnant/lactating women or bone marrow suppression.

Isoniazid

First-line drug (INH, Laniazid, Nydrazid) used to treat Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Administered via tablets, syrup, and injections. Contraindicated in patients with acute liver disease.

Acyclovir

Antiviral drug that treats herpes by inhibiting DNA synthesis. Administered orally, IV, or topically. Side effects include nausea and diarrhea.

AZT

Reverse transcriptase inhibitor used for HIV, administered via IV or oral routes (absorbed more quickly). Side effects include myelosuppression, GI disturbance, headaches, and less commonly, myopathies.

Indinavir

Protease inhibitor specific to HIV-1, administered in combination with a reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Side effects include kidney issues and hyperbilirubinemia.

Interferons

Antiviral agents inserted into the cell membrane post-infection to fool invading viruses into thinking the cell is already affected (used for hep B, hep C, and Kaposi sarcoma). Side effects include GI problems, anemia, weakness, and fever.

Amphotericin B

Broad-spectrum antifungal drug that attacks lipids in fungi, compromising membrane stability. Administered orally, topically, or IV. Causes toxicity resulting in renal failure in nearly all patients.

Flucytosine (Ancobon)

Narrower spectrum antifungal used in conjunction with other antifungals (taken orally) for Cryptococcus neoformans and some Candida by inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis. Side effects include bone marrow toxicity and anemia.

Azoles

Broad-spectrum antifungal agents used systemically or topically for Candida and Cryptococcus infections. They bind to P450 enzymes to kill fungi and present few side effects.

Cytokines

Regulatory components of the immune system that include tumor necrosis factor, erythropoietin, and interleukins.

Tumor Necrosis Factor

A regulatory cytokine that may act as an anticancer drug.

Erythropoietin

A regulatory cytokine that stimulates red blood cell (RBC) production and is used to treat anemia.

Interleukins

A category of regulatory cytokines that stimulate immune cells.