Antibiotic Classes
First introduced in the 1940s, these antibiotics inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Penicillins
A natural substance produced by bacteria that can kill other bacteria.
Antibiotic
A severe allergic reaction that can lead to airway swelling, shock, and death.
These should be obtained before starting antibiotic therapy to identify the organism.
Blood cultures
Teach patients taking antibiotics like tetracycline that they may experience sensitivity to sunlight, also known as this.
Photosensitivity
This class of antibiotics has five generations and is structurally related to penicillins.
Cephalosporins
Immediate treatment of a suspected infection before culture results are available.
Empiric therapy
A second infection that occurs during or after treatment of a primary infection due to resistant organisms.
Superinfection
This type of antibiotic is often started before culture and sensitivity results are available because it covers a wide range of bacteria.
Broad-spectrum
Advise patients to complete the entire antibiotic course of treatment to avoid this complication.
Antibiotic resistance
This class of antibiotics includes doxycycline and may cause discoloration of permanent teeth.
Tetracyclines
Antibiotic therapy used to prevent infection, often before surgery.
Prophylactic therapy
The most common antibiotic side effects occur in this body system.
Gastrointestinal
The nurse should closely monitor _____ function tests when patients are taking aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin or streptomycin.
Renal
Patients taking fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin, should be taught to avoid taking supplements, food, or medication containing this mineral.
Calcium
Azithromycin and clarithromycin belong to this antibiotic class often used for respiratory infections.
Macrolides
This class of antibiotics kills bacteria directly.
Bactericidal
A reaction involving flushing of the neck and face that may occur with vancomycin infusion.
Red Man Syndrome
Monitor for development of diarrhea, as it may indicate this common superinfection.
Clostridium difficile
Unless contraindicated, patients should be taught to increase their fluid intake while taking antibiotics such as sulfonamides to prevent buildup of this in the urine.
Crystals
This powerful antibiotic class includes gentamicin and is known for nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
Aminoglycosides
These antibiotics inhibit bacterial growth instead of killing bacteria immediately.
Bacteriostatic
This severe intestinal infection is sometimes associated with antibiotic therapy.
Pseudomembraneous colitis
Some antibiotics, including Vancomycin, require monitoring of these therapeutic levels.
Peak and trough
Patients should be taught about signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, including this serious allergic reaction that causes rapid swelling of the lips, tongue or throat.
Angioedema