Understanding Anti-Infective Agents

Oct 18, 2024

Lecture Notes: Anti-Infective Agents

Introduction

  • Presenter: Professor D
  • Topic: Anti-infective agents including antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungal agents.
  • Platform: YouTube and other social media
  • Additional Resources: Next Generation NCLEX review sessions, audio lessons for nursing students.

Key Concepts

Anti-Infective Agents Overview

  • Types:
    • Antibiotics
    • Antivirals
    • Antifungal agents

Antifungal Agents

  • Fluconazole
    • Patients should not stop medication just because symptoms go away.
    • Importance of completing the entire course to prevent stronger fungus resurgence.
    • Possible side effects: GI issues (nausea), yellowing of skin or eyes indicating jaundice (liver issues).
    • Avoid alcohol while on medication due to liver impact.

Amphotericin B

  • Adverse Effects:
    • Infusion reaction: fever, chills, hypotension.
    • Hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, hypokalemia, tachycardia.

Nystatin Oral Suspension

  • Used for oral candidiasis (thrush), swish medication in mouth to coat affected areas.

Antibiotics

  • Ciprofloxacin

    • Must complete the full course of medication.
    • Drink plenty of water to protect kidneys.
    • Adverse effects include photosensitivity.

  • Amoxicillin

    • Watch for allergic reactions (rash).
    • Do not save leftover medication or double doses if missed.

  • Vancomycin

    • Beware of Red Man's Syndrome (infusion rate issue causing flushing and redness).
    • Slow infusion rate if symptoms appear.
    • Harmful to kidneys and hearing, causing potential nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.

Specific Drug Classes & Characteristics

  • Erythromycin: A macrolide, not a fluoroquinolone.
  • Doxycycline: A tetracycline, teratogenic (harmful to fetus), requires pregnancy test before administration.

Drug Class Reactions

  • Cephalosporins
    • Cross-sensitivity with penicillin.
    • Do not administer if allergic to penicillin.

Special Considerations

  • Levofloxacin
    • Watch for calf pain indicating potential tendon rupture.

Super Infections

  • Examples include C. diff, thrush, and yeast infections.
  • Hypertension is not a super infection.

Critical Thinking and Application

  • Always determine the most critical action in response to adverse reactions or symptoms.
  • Consider drug interactions, contraindications, and patient education on medication adherence.

These notes cover the main points discussed in Professor D's Kahoot session on anti-infective agents, emphasizing critical knowledge for nursing students.