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Antibiotic Classes: Mechanisms and Coverage

High-yield antibiotic flashcards — cell-wall agents, protein-synthesis inhibitors, fluoroquinolones, and classic coverage patterns.

14 cards· by GuruOwl

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  1. 01
    What is the mechanism of beta-lactam antibiotics?
    Inhibit cell-wall synthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and blocking peptidoglycan cross-linking.
    pharmantibiotics
  2. 02
    Name the major beta-lactam classes.
    Penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, monobactams (aztreonam).
    pharm
  3. 03
    What is the mechanism of vancomycin?
    Binds D-Ala-D-Ala termini of peptidoglycan precursors, blocking cell-wall synthesis (not a beta-lactam).
    pharm
  4. 04
    What is the classic coverage of vancomycin?
    Gram-positive organisms including MRSA; not useful for gram-negatives (cannot cross outer membrane).
    coverage
  5. 05
    What is the mechanism of aminoglycosides?
    Irreversible binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit → misreading / blocked initiation of protein synthesis. Bactericidal.
    pharm
  6. 06
    What is the mechanism of tetracyclines?
    Bind the 30S ribosomal subunit and block tRNA attachment (bacteriostatic).
    pharm
  7. 07
    What is the mechanism of macrolides (azithromycin, erythromycin)?
    Bind the 50S ribosomal subunit and block translocation (bacteriostatic).
    pharm
  8. 08
    What is the mechanism of fluoroquinolones?
    Inhibit DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV → block DNA replication.
    pharm
  9. 09
    What is the mechanism of metronidazole?
    Forms free radicals in anaerobic bacteria/protozoa that damage DNA.
    pharm
  10. 10
    Which antibiotic class is classically associated with red-man syndrome?
    Vancomycin (infusion-rate related histamine release).
    toxicity
  11. 11
    Which antibiotic class is associated with tooth discoloration in children?
    Tetracyclines.
    toxicity
  12. 12
    What does “extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)” imply clinically?
    Resistance to many penicillins and cephalosporins; carbapenems are often preferred (stewardship-dependent).
    resistance
  13. 13
    What organisms does aztreonam primarily cover?
    Aerobic gram-negative rods only (no gram-positive or anaerobic coverage).
    coverage
  14. 14
    Why combine a beta-lactam with a beta-lactamase inhibitor (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate)?
    The inhibitor protects the beta-lactam from enzymatic hydrolysis, expanding coverage against beta-lactamase–producing organisms.
    pharm