Antibiotic Classifications
This class of antibiotics includes penicillin, cephalosporins, and carbapenems and works by disrupting bacterial cell walls.
What are beta-lactam antibiotics?
Penicillins and cephalosporins kill bacteria by targeting this part of the bacterial cell.
What is the cell wall?
Vancomycin can cause this infusion-related reaction, which presents with flushing, rash, and hypotension.
What is Red Man Syndrome?
This antibiotic class has five generations and includes drugs like ceftriaxone and cefepime.
What are cephalosporins?
This antifungal medication is commonly used for oral thrush and vaginal candidiasis.
What is nystatin?
This nursing intervention is critical when giving IV antibiotics to prevent phlebitis and extravasation.
What is monitoring the IV site frequently?
This antibiotic class is commonly used for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and includes sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim.
What are sulfonamides?
Tetracyclines and macrolides inhibit this cellular process, preventing bacteria from making essential proteins.
What is protein synthesis?
Macrolides (e.g., erythromycin, azithromycin) are associated with this serious cardiac side effect, which can cause life-threatening arrhythmias.
What is QT prolongation?
Metronidazole should never be taken with this beverage, as it causes severe nausea and vomiting.
What is alcohol?
This antiviral drug is used to treat herpes simplex and varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox/shingles).
What is acyclovir?
Patients on long-term antibiotics should be educated about this risk, which may require treatment with probiotics.
What is superinfection (e.g., C. difficile, yeast infections)?
Vancomycin belongs to this class of antibiotics and is commonly used to treat MRSA and C. difficile infections.
What are tricyclic glycopeptides?
Sulfonamides work by inhibiting folic acid synthesis, a necessary process for bacterial growth.
What is nucleic acid metabolism?
Aminoglycosides can cause this type of kidney damage, requiring careful monitoring of creatinine and BUN levels.
What is nephrotoxicity?
Rifampin, used to treat tuberculosis, can cause this unusual harmless bodily fluid discoloration.
What is red/orange urine, sweat, and tears?
Patients taking fluconazole (Diflucan) should have these organ function tests monitored due to possible toxicity.
What are liver function tests (LFTs)?
Patients taking oral tetracyclines should avoid prolonged exposure to this environmental factor.
What is sunlight (due to photosensitivity)?
This broad-spectrum antibiotic class includes ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, and is known for causing tendon rupture as a serious side effect.
What are fluoroquinolones?
Fluoroquinolones interfere with this bacterial enzyme, preventing DNA replication.
What is DNA gyrase (topoisomerase)?
Tetracyclines are contraindicated in this age group, as they cause permanent tooth discoloration.
What are children under 8 years old?
Patients on sulfonamides should be encouraged to drink plenty of water to prevent this complication.
What is crystalluria (kidney stones)?
Valacyclovir, used for herpes infections, does not cure the virus but instead provides this benefit.
What is symptom relief and outbreak reduction?
This teaching point is crucial for all antibiotic prescriptions to prevent resistance.
What is "Take the full course of antibiotics, even if you feel better?"
Gentamicin and tobramycin belong to this class of antibiotics, which requires monitoring for nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
What are aminoglycosides?
Metronidazole works by disrupting bacterial DNA, making it effective against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa.
What is DNA synthesis inhibition?
Fluoroquinolones should not be taken with these common dietary products, as they interfere with absorption.
What are dairy products, antacids, and iron supplements?
Patients with a penicillin allergy may also have a cross-reaction to this related antibiotic class.
What are cephalosporins?
This antiprotozoal medication is used to treat trichomoniasis, amoebiasis, and bacterial vaginosis.
What is metronidazole (Flagyl)?
When taking aminoglycosides (gentamicin, tobramycin), patients should report this symptom, which may indicate permanent hearing damage.
What is ringing in the ears (tinnitus)?