9
Antibiotics
Learning objectives
Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to:
1.
Explain how an antibiotic is selected for use in a particular clinical situation.
2.
Describe therapeutic actions, indications, pharmacokinetics, contraindications, most common adverse
reactions and important drug–drug interactions associated with each of the classes of antibiotics.
3.
Discuss the use of antibiotics as they are used across the lifespan.
4.
Compare and contrast key drugs for each class of antibiotics with other drugs in that class.
5.
Outline care considerations for people receiving each class of antibiotic.
Glossary of key terms
aerobic:
bacteria that depend on oxygen for survival
anaerobic:
bacteria that survive without oxygen, which are often seen when blood flow is cut off to an area of the body
antibiotic:
chemical that is able to inhibit the growth of specific bacteria or cause the death of susceptible bacteria
gram-negative:
bacteria that accept a negative stain and are frequently associated with infections of the genitourinary or GI tract
gram-positive:
bacteria that take a positive stain and are frequently associated with infections of the respiratory tract and soft tissues
synergistic:
drugs that work together to increase drug effectiveness
Test your current knowledge of antibiotics with a PrepU Practice Quiz!
Simulation-based learning
On completion of the chapter, explore the scenario of Kenneth Bronson (Part 1) who has been diagnosed with a strep
throat. Continue onto the second scenario (Part 2) as his condition deteriorates into an emergency situation. Consider
the medication management of Kenneth’s condition throughout his episode of care. What learning from the chapter,
can be applied to the case?
AMINOGLYCOSIDES
amikacin
framycetin
gentamicin
neomycin
tobramycin
CARBAPENEMS
doripenem
ertapenem
imipenem-cilastatin
meropenem
CEPHALOSPORINS
First-generation
cefalotin
cephalexin
cephazolin
Second-generation
cefaclor
cefoxitin
cefuroxime
Third-generation
cefotaxime
ceftazidime
ceftriaxone
Fourth-generation
cefepime
Fifth-generation
ceftaroline
FLUOROQUINOLONES
ciprofloxacin
moxifloxacin
norfloxacin
ofloxacin
PENICILLINS AND
PENICILLINASE-RESISTANT
ANTIBIOTICS
Penicillins
benzathine penicillin
benzylpenicillin
