1 Antibiotics Free Online FlashCards

What kinds of infections do antibiotics treat?

Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not viral illnesses.

What is penicillin’s main action?

Penicillin inhibits bacterial cell-wall synthesis.

How do β-lactam antibiotics interfere with cell-wall construction?

β-lactams bind penicillin-binding proteins and interfere with bacterial cell-wall construction.

Which ribosomal subunit do macrolides target?

Macrolides inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by acting at the 50S ribosomal subunit.

Which ribosomal subunit do tetracyclines target?

Tetracyclines inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by acting at the 30S ribosomal subunit.

How do fluoroquinolones interfere with bacterial DNA replication?

Fluoroquinolones inhibit enzymes involved in bacterial DNA replication, including DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV.

What pathway does TMP-SMX target?

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) blocks successive steps in bacterial folate metabolism.

What is vancomycin’s key action and activity?

Vancomycin interferes with cell-wall synthesis and is active against many Gram-positive organisms.

Are antibiotics routinely recommended for uncomplicated acute bronchitis?

Routine antibiotics are not recommended for uncomplicated acute bronchitis.

Does colored sputum alone show that antibiotics are needed?

Colored sputum alone does not establish that an infection is bacterial or justify antibiotics.

How should culture and susceptibility results guide antibiotic selection?

Use culture and susceptibility results alongside the clinical picture to choose an effective, appropriately targeted agent.

What patient and infection factors can affect antibiotic choice?

Consider factors such as allergies, organ function, adverse-effect risks, infection site, and severity.