Lecture Notes: Antibiotic Test Tips

Introduction

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• Encouragement to check out new app with courses and cheat sheets

Top Antibiotic Test Tips

1. Finish the Medication

• Prevents super infections such as C. diff or MRSA
• Key phrase: "Take until all medication is finished"

2. Accidental Pregnancy

• Affects penicillins and tetracyclines
• "3 C’s": Child care with penicillin and doxycycline
• Oral contraceptives ineffective; use additional contraception (e.g., IUD)

3. No Alcohol

• Antibiotics are liver-toxic

4. No Food for MTF

• "Move The Food": Take macrolides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones on an empty stomach
• Drink with a full glass of water

5. Avoid Sun

• Avoid "fun in the sun"
• "FTS": Fluoroquinolones, Tetracyclines, and Sulfa drugs (e.g., trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole)
• Risk of photosensitivity and sunburn

6. Kidney and Ear Toxicity

• Antibiotics ending in "-mycin" (e.g., vancomycin, gentamicin)
• Toxicity to kidneys and ears
• Monitor peaks and troughs to avoid toxicity

Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics

Penicillins and Cephalosporins

• Penicillins: End in "-cillin" (e.g., amoxicillin)
• Cephalosporins: Start with "cef-" (e.g., cephalexin)
• Pregnancy safe but can cause C. diff

Cross-Sensitivity

• Allergy check necessary for penicillins and cephalosporins
• Anaphylaxis requires quick response and possible epinephrine administration

Drug Administration

• Take penicillins with food if GI upset
• Cephalosporins may cause diarrhea

"Big Guns" Antibiotics

Glycopeptides

• Includes vancomycin (very toxic)
• Monitor for Red Man Syndrome

Aminoglycosides

• Includes gentamicin, tobramycin
• Highly toxic to ears and kidneys

Macrolides

• "-thromycin" (e.g., azithromycin)
• Prolong QT interval, monitor ECG

Tetracyclines

• Not pregnancy safe
• Causes tooth discoloration and sunburn
• Avoid Dairy, antacids, iron

Metronidazole

• Used for C. diff and STIs
• Avoid alcohol to prevent severe side effects
• Normal side effects include dark urine and metallic taste

UTI Medications

Sulfonamides

• Contains "sulfa" (e.g., Bactrim)
• Sunburn risk, urine crystals, dehydration risk

Quinolones

• E.g., levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin
• Sun sensitivity and Achilles tendon risk

Phenazopyridine

• Used for UTI pain relief
• Causes red/orange urine
• Monitor for liver toxicity

Key NCLEX Questions

• Importance of assessing allergies and reactions
• Knowing side effects and interactions of antibiotics

Tips for Success

• Always finish antibiotic courses
• Be aware of drug interactions and side effects for exams
• Monitor necessary labs and vital signs with specific antibiotics

Conclusion

• Thanks to the team and invitation to try out the resources offered