Pharmacology for Nursing: Antivirals, Antibiotics, Antifungals, etc.

Introduction

• Presenter: Professor D
• **Topics Covered: **
  • Medications against viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungus, and protozoa.

Super Infections

• Defintion: Overgrowth of normal body flora or opportunistic organisms (e.g., viruses, yeast) when normal flora is killed by antibiotics.
• Key Point: Antibiotics can kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria.

Antibiotic Instructions

• Penicillin: Emphasize the need to complete the full prescription, even if feeling better.
• Misconceptions:
  1. Penicillin and breastfeeding: can be taken with caution.
  2. Penicillin and food: not all penicillins can be taken without regard to food (e.g., Amoxicillin should be taken with food).
  3. Possible side effects like diarrhea, not constipation.

Specific Antibiotics

• **Tetracycline: **

  • Broad-spectrum antibiotic.
  • Not safe for children < 8 years or during pregnancy.
  • Can cause tooth discoloration and affect bone growth.

• Cipro:

  • Watch for heel or lower leg pain (potential tendonitis).
  • Reminder: Do not take with antacids.

Tuberculosis Treatment

• Common Meds: Rifampin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, and INH
• Instructions:
  1. Therapy lasts 6-12 months.
  2. Multiple drugs to prevent resistance.
  3. Possible adverse effects need monitoring.
  4. Must not stop medication prematurely.

Other Important FAQs

• Amoxicillin & Oral Contraceptives: Can reduce effectiveness of contraceptives; use alternative contraception.

• Antifungal Treatments:

  • Example: Griseofulvin for nail infections.
    • Takes a long time for treatment (not 2-4 weeks).
    • Take with fatty food for better absorption.

• Amphotericin B:

  • Premedicate to decrease risk of hypersensitivity reactions.
  • Known for severe side effects; not first line of treatment.

Malaria Prescription

• Chloroquine: Remains necessary to continue med for up to six weeks post-trip to kill any parasites in RBCs.
• Common Teaching Points: Do not save medication for future symptoms.

HIV Medication

• Sustiva (Efavirenz):
  • Significantly extends life expectancy but does not cure the disease.
  • Important for patient adherence.

How to Respond to Patient Concerns

• Example: On 3 Flagyl (Metronidazole) during treatment
  • Discourage alcohol intake due to disulfiram-like reaction.
  • Possible metallic taste and dark urine are common.

Flu Medications

• **Zanamivir: **Designed to be effective within 48 hours of symptom onset.
• Note: Take early for best effectiveness.

Conclusion

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