Lecture Notes: Antibiotics Overview

Introduction to Antibiotics

• Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections only.
• Not effective against viral or fungal infections.

General Tips for Antibiotic Use

• Complete the entire prescription: Even if symptoms improve, the infection can return stronger if not fully treated.
• Effect on oral contraceptives:
  • Some antibiotics (e.g., penicillin, tetracyclines, cephalosporins) make oral contraceptives ineffective.
  • Memory trick: Penicillin bumps the pill; Tetracyclines and cephalosporins require child care.

Photosensitivity

• Some antibiotics cause increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity).
  • Examples: Fluoroquinolones, Tetracyclines, Sulfa drugs.
  • Patient Advice: Use sunscreen SPF 30+, avoid direct sun, wear protective clothing.

Gastrointestinal Upset

• Most antibiotics can cause GI upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) due to disruption of gut bacteria.
• Recommendation: Use probiotics (e.g., yogurt or probiotic capsules) to maintain healthy gut flora.

Culture and Sensitivity Test

• Purpose: Identify type of bacteria and effective antibiotics.
• Steps:
  1. Swab infected area, place on culture plate, allow bacteria to grow.
  2. Positive culture indicates germ presence; negative means no germ growth.
  3. Perform sensitivity test using different antibiotics.
• Interpretation:
  • No growth in treated area = bacteria sensitive to antibiotic.
  • Growth in treated area = bacteria not sensitive to antibiotic.

Mechanism of Action: Bacteriostatic vs. Bactericidal

• Bacteriostatic: Slow or prevent bacterial growth.
  • Examples: Tetracyclines, Macrolides, Sulfonamides.
• Bactericidal: Kill bacteria.
  • Examples: Aminoglycosides, Penicillin, Cephalosporins, Fluoroquinolones.

Super Infections

• Definition: New infection during treatment of a primary infection.
• Causes: Disruption of normal gut flora.
• Serious Complication: C. difficile infection (severe diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever).
• Prevention:
  • Take antibiotics with probiotics.
  • Only use antibiotics for confirmed bacterial infections.

Conclusion

• Further resources available through "Nurse in the Making Plus" with a complete nursing school bundle for additional learning materials.

Note: Always remember to educate patients about the importance of proper antibiotic usage to prevent resistance and complications.