Chapter 26: Penicillins, Other Beta-Lactams, and Cephalosporins

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the pharmacology of penicillins, cephalosporins, and related topics in bacteriology.

Gram Positive Bacteria

Bacteria that retain a purple stain during Gram staining, like Staphylococcus Aureus and Streptococcus Pneumoniae.

Gram Negative Bacteria

Bacteria that do not retain the purple stain and include species like Escherichia Coli and Neisseria Meningitides.

Bacteriostatic Drugs

Antibacterials that inhibit the growth of bacteria without killing them.

Bactericidal Drugs

Antibacterials that kill bacteria.

Beta-Lactam

A ring structure in some antibiotics like penicillin that interferes with bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Beta-Lactamase

An enzyme produced by some bacteria that breaks down beta-lactam antibiotics.

Narrow Spectrum Antibiotics

Antibiotics effective primarily against one type of bacteria, such as penicillin.

Broad Spectrum Antibiotics

Antibiotics effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, typically used when the offending microorganism has not been identified.

Superinfection

A secondary infection occurring when normal flora is killed, usually in sites like the mouth or intestines.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a common healthcare-acquired infection.

Cephalosporins

A class of antibiotics with a beta-lactam structure, used to treat various infections including respiratory and urinary tract infections.

First-Generation Cephalosporins

Effective primarily against gram-positive bacteria and destroyed by beta-lactamases.

Third-Generation Cephalosporins

Broad-spectrum antibiotics that are effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and resistant to beta-lactamases.

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea

A potential adverse reaction to antibiotics that disrupt normal gut flora.

Antibiotic Misuse

Taking antibiotics incorrectly, which includes skipping doses or taking them for viral infections.