Protein Synthesis Inhibitors
This antibiotic class is known for binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit and can cause permanent staining of teeth in children under 8.
What are Tetracyclines?
Unlike most protein synthesis inhibitors, this class of drugs, including Gentamicin, is bactericidal rather than bacteriostatic.
What are Aminoglycosides?
This drug combination works by blocking two consecutive steps in the bacterial synthesis of folic acid.
What is Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ)?
This "gold standard" systemic antifungal is nicknamed "Ampho-terrible" due to its near-universal risk of nephrotoxicity.
What is Amphotericin B?
This medication is often co-administered with Amphotericin B to reduce infusion-related reactions like fever and chills.
What are Acetaminophen and/or Diphenhydramine?
To avoid decreased absorption, patients must not take Tetracyclines with these specific items, such as milk or antacids.
What are cationic compounds (or calcium, iron, magnesium, aluminum, and zinc)?
Because they are highly polar polycations, Aminoglycosides cannot be absorbed through this route and must be given parenterally.
What is the GI tract (or Oral route)?
Patients taking sulfonamides must maintain high fluid intake to prevent this renal complication where drug crystals form in the kidneys.
What is crystalluria?
Most antifungal drugs work by targeting or inhibiting the synthesis of this specific steroid found in fungal cell membranes.
What is ergosterol?
Because of age-related renal decline, this calculation is essential for safely dosing fluoroquinolones in older adults.
What is Creatinine Clearance?
This macrolide has a uniquely long half-life of over 60 hours, allowing for a short 5-day treatment course.
What is Azithromycin (Z-Pak)?
This "early warning sign" of ototoxicity should be reported immediately by patients taking Gentamicin.
What is high-pitched tinnitus (ringing in the ears)?
This is the most severe hypersensitivity reaction associated with sulfonamides, characterized by widespread skin sloughing.
What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?
This class of antifungals, including Fluconazole, carries a high risk of drug interactions because they inhibit human P450 enzymes.
What are Azoles?
This hematologic adverse effect of TMP/SMZ is more common in patients with a G6PD deficiency.
What is hemolytic anemia?
This bacteriostatic drug is reserved for MRSA and VRE but requires weekly monitoring of blood counts due to the risk of thrombocytopenia.
What is Linezolid (Zyvox)?
Aminoglycosides are primarily effective against this specific group of bacteria, such as E. coli and Pseudomonas.
What are aerobic gram-negative bacilli?
Fluoroquinolones like Ciprofloxacin carry a "Black Box Warning" due to the risk of rupture of this specific tendon.
What is the Achilles tendon?
This topical "swish and swallow" or "swish and spit" medication is used specifically for oral Candidiasis (thrush).
What is Nystatin?
Patients taking fluoroquinolones must be warned to stay out of the sun or use high-SPF sunscreen due to this adverse effect.
What is photosensitivity?
Linezolid acts as a weak inhibitor of this enzyme, requiring patients to avoid high-tyramine foods to prevent a hypertensive crisis.
What is Monoamine Oxidase (MAO)?
To ensure safety and efficacy, nurses must monitor these two specific blood levels: one just before a dose and one 30 minutes after.
What are Trough and Peak levels?
Fluoroquinolones work by inhibiting these two essential bacterial enzymes required for DNA replication.
What are DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV?
This drug is used for superficial infections of the hair, skin, and nails, and its absorption is significantly improved when taken with a fatty meal.
What is Griseofulvin?
This common interaction occurs when penicillins and aminoglycosides are mixed in the same IV bag.
What is inactivation of the aminoglycoside?