Lecture Notes: Top Tips for Antibiotics

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Top 6 Test Tips for Antibiotics

1. Finish the Med

• Prevents super infection and superbugs like C. diff and MRSA
• Educate patients to complete the full course of antibiotics

2. Accidental Pregnancy

• "Three C's": Childcare for penicillin and doxycycline
• Oral contraceptives are ineffective; use additional methods like IUD

3. No Alcohol

• Antibiotics and alcohol both strain the liver

4. No Food with MTF

• MTF: Macrolids (e.g., Azithromycin), Tetracycline, Fluoroquinolones (e.g., Levofloxacin)
• Take on an empty stomach with water

5. No Sun

• FTS: Fluoroquinolones, Tetracycline, Sulfa drugs
• Causes photosensitivity; avoid sun exposure

6. Super Toxic to Kidneys and Ears

• "Myosin": Vancomycin, Gentamicin, Neomycin
• Monitor peaks and troughs to prevent toxicity
• Signs of ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity: vertigo, tinnitus, high BUN/creatinine

Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics

• Silins (e.g., Amoxicillin) and Sporins (e.g., Cephalexin)
• Mechanism: Weaken bacterial cell wall
• Silins: Can cause accidental pregnancy
• Sporins: Can cause C. diff, not treat it

Allergies and Reactions

• Cross-sensitivity between Cephs and Silins
• Anaphylaxis more common with Penicillin
• Steps during a reaction: Stop med, assess, auscultate lungs, prepare epinephrine

Administration Tips

• With food if GI upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Shake well before using
• Proper measuring devices

High-Risk Antibiotics

Glycopeptides (e.g., Vancomycin)

• Treats MRSA and C. diff
• Key issues: Thrombophlebitis, Red Man Syndrome

Aminoglycosides (e.g., Tobramycin)

• Treats cystic fibrosis infections
• Key issues: Ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity

Macrolids (e.g., Azithromycin)

• Watch for prolonged QT intervals
• Monitor liver labs (ALT, AST)

Tetracyclines (e.g., Doxycycline)

• Not pregnancy safe
• Causes tooth discoloration
• Risk of sunburn

Metronidazole (Flagyl)

• Treats C. diff and STIs
• Avoid alcohol
• Normal side effects: dark urine, metallic taste
• Report rash and skin peeling

UTI Medications

Sulfonamides (e.g., Bactrim)

• Avoid sun
• Drink 2-3 liters of water daily
• Folic acid supplement needed

Fluoroquinolones (e.g., Levofloxacin)

• Avoid sun
• Monitor for Achilles tendon rupture

Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)

• UTI pain relief
• Normal: red/orange urine

Key Exam Preparation Points

• Assess allergies before administering antibiotics
• Monitor for liver toxicity
• Be aware of photosensitivity and other drug-specific interactions
• Always finish the full course of antibiotics

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Study Tips:

• Remember key mnemonics and acronyms like the "Three C's" and "MTF"
• Focus on understanding side effects and when to report them
• Practice answering NCLEX-style questions with a focus on these topics

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