Pharmacology Made Easy (Part 2) - Antibiotics | Picmonic Nursing

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Dr. Wyatt discusses antibiotics in Part 2 of the pharmacology webinar on Pikmonic, highlighting important considerations for tetracyclines, penicillins, aminoglycosides, macrolides, cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones. Specific details include interactions, side effects, monitoring requirements, and essential patient education to ensure safe and effective medication use.

Insights

  • Tetracyclines, like tetracycline and doxycycline, should not be taken with milk, iron, or antacids due to absorption issues and should be avoided in children under eight and pregnant women to prevent bone development problems.
  • Aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin and neomycin, require monitoring for renal and ototoxicity, while macrolides like azithromycin and erythromycin can lead to QT prolongation and increase the risk of C. difficile infection, highlighting the importance of understanding antibiotic side effects for safe and effective treatment.

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Recent questions

  • What are tetracyclines used for?

    Tetracyclines are antibiotics used to treat various bacterial infections, but they should not be taken with milk, iron, or antacids due to absorption issues.

  • What are the side effects of tetracyclines?

    Tetracyclines can cause photosensitivity, yellowing of teeth, and brittle bones if expired, so proper sun protection and timely usage are crucial.

  • How do aminoglycosides affect the body?

    Aminoglycosides like gentamicin and neomycin can lead to renal and ototoxicity, requiring regular monitoring of peak and trough levels to prevent complications.

  • What are the common side effects of macrolides?

    Macrolides such as azithromycin and erythromycin can cause GI distress and increase the risk of C. difficile infection, necessitating caution during usage.

  • What precautions should be taken with cephalosporins?

    Cephalosporins, available in five generations, should be administered cautiously to patients with penicillin allergies due to the risk of cross-reactivity, despite being a common alternative.

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Summary

00:00

Antibiotics: Tetracyclines, Penicillins, Aminoglycosides, Macrolides

  • Part 2 of the pharmacology webinar on Pikmonic is led by Dr. Wyatt, focusing on antibiotics.
  • Tetracyclines are discussed, including tetracycline and doxycycline, known for their cycling ending.
  • Tetracyclines should not be taken with milk, iron, or antacids due to binding to ions, affecting absorption.
  • Avoid giving tetracyclines to children under eight or pregnant women to prevent bone development issues.
  • Tetracyclines can cause photosensitivity, so sun protection is crucial.
  • Expired tetracyclines can lead to yellowing of teeth and brittle bones.
  • Penicillins, ending in -cillin, are common but can cause allergies, so patient awareness is vital.
  • Aminoglycosides, like gentamicin and neomycin, are remembered with the mnemonic "My Sins Club."
  • Aminoglycosides require monitoring for renal and ototoxicity, with peak and trough levels checked.
  • Macrolides, such as azithromycin and erythromycin, are known as "throw Meissen," and azithromycin is commonly used for upper respiratory infections.

12:06

Common Antibiotics: Risks and Considerations

  • Erythromycin can lead to QT prolongation, causing arrhythmias and even death if the interval exceeds 0.4 seconds.
  • Macrolides, like erythromycin, can cause GI distress and increase the risk of C. difficile infection.
  • Cephalosporins come in five generations, with drug names starting with "cef" or "ceph." They are often given to patients with penicillin allergies, but there is a risk of cross-reactivity.
  • Fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin, target different areas like urine or respiratory systems. They can cause Achilles tendon rupture, so any pain should prompt stopping the medication.
  • Avoid taking fluoroquinolones with milk or antacids, as they can render the drug ineffective. Photosensitivity and exacerbation of myasthenia gravis symptoms are also concerns.
  • Part 3 of the webinar series will cover psychiatric medications and other miscellaneous drugs, offering detailed information for mastering the content.
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