Antibiotic families
The main antibiotic families, their target, side effects and precautions (beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, glycopeptides, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, nitroimidazoles), bacterial resistance and the rules of good use.
- 35 cards
- 3 topics
- Free
The outline, topic by topic
Each topic is weighted the way the exam weighs it.
- Concepts
- Scenarios
- Understand
A few cards from the deck
Beta-lactams: what is it?
Show the answer
The family of penicillins, cephalosporins and carbapenems, which block bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Their main risk is allergy.
A sore throat in a penicillin-allergic patient: which family can be offered?
- A macrolide
- Another penicillin
- A cephalosporin without care
- Never any antibiotic
Show the answer
A macrolide
Macrolides are the classic alternative; a viral sore throat, by contrast, needs no antibiotic.
Beta-lactamase inhibitor: what is it?
Show the answer
A molecule paired with a beta-lactam (clavulanic acid) to shield it from the bacterial enzymes that destroy it.
That is the principle of amoxicillin-clavulanate.
Why do antibiotics not act on viruses?
- Viruses are too big
- The liver destroys viruses
- They act on some viruses
- They target bacterial structures (wall, ribosome) viruses do not have
Show the answer
They target bacterial structures (wall, ribosome) viruses do not have
Viruses multiply in our cells using our own machinery.
Aminoglycosides: what is it?
Show the answer
Injectable, highly bactericidal antibiotics (gentamicin, amikacin).
They are toxic to the kidney and ear: creatinine and levels are monitored.
A patient on metronidazole wants to drink alcohol. What should he be told?
- No problem
- Avoid alcohol: risk of a disulfiram-like reaction
- Drinking improves the effect
- Only wine is forbidden
Show the answer
Avoid alcohol: risk of a disulfiram-like reaction
Nausea, vomiting, flushing and palpitations may occur.