Anti-Infectives Study Guide

Anti-Infectives Study Guide for Nursing Students 1. Penicillins **Example:** Amoxicillin (Amoxil) **What it treats:** Bacterial infections (e.g., ear infections, throat infections, UTIs) **Key Side Effect:** Can cause superinfections—yeast infections in the mouth (oral thrush) or vagina. **Nursing Consideration:** - After IM or IV penicillin, monitor the patient for 30 minutes for signs of allergic reaction. - **Signs of Allergy:** Wheezing, SOB, rash, itching, angioedema (swelling of face/tongue/hands). **NCLEX Tip:** Assess allergy history before giving Penicillin. 2. Cephalosporins **Example:** Cephalexin (Keflex) **What it treats:** Skin, respiratory, and other bacterial infections. **Key Warning:** Cross-allergy possible with Penicillin. **Nursing Tip:** Notify provider if patient is allergic to Penicillin. 3. Tetracyclines **Examples:** Tetracycline (Tetracyn), Doxycycline (Vibramycin) **What it treats:** Acne, STIs, Lyme disease **Adverse Effects:** - Photosensitivity (sunburns) - Tooth discoloration (in unborn babies and children < 8) **Contraindicated in:** Pregnant women, children < 8 **Tip:** Teach sun protection 4. Antiprotozoals **Example:** Metronidazole (Flagyl) **Treats:** C. diff, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis **Side Effects:** Metallic taste, CNS issues (headache, dizziness, ataxia) **Severe Symptoms:** Seizures, nerve damage ? Stop medication! **No Alcohol!** Avoid during and 48h after treatment. 5. Macrolides **Example:** Erythromycin (Erythrocin) **Use:** Respiratory infections, neonatal eye ointment **Safe for Penicillin allergy** **Adverse Effects:** - Ventricular dysrhythmias (can be fatal) - Ototoxicity: Tinnitus, vertigo, hearing loss 6. Fluoroquinolones **Example:** Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) **Treats:** UTIs, GI/skin infections **Adverse Effects:** - Tendon rupture (elderly, on steroids) - Photosensitivity - Seizures, ICP, liver damage, suicidal thoughts, C. diff, anaphylaxis 7. Aminoglycosides **Examples:** Gentamicin (Garamycin), Vancomycin (Vancocin) **Treats:** Serious infections **Side Effects:** Ototoxicity, Nephrotoxicity **Monitor:** Peak/trough levels, kidney labs Summary Table Drug Class Example Drug Key Risk/Side Effect Nursing Tip Penicillins Amoxicillin Allergy, Candida superinfection Watch for allergic reaction post-injection Cephalosporins Cephalexin Penicillin cross-reaction Contact provider if Penicillin allergy Tetracyclines Doxycycline Photosensitivity, tooth discoloration Avoid in pregnancy/young children, sun precautions Antiprotozoals Metronidazole CNS toxicity, metallic taste No alcohol, stop if CNS symptoms Macrolides Erythromycin Fluoroquinolones Ciprofloxacin Aminoglycosides Gentamicin, Vancomycin Dysrhythmias, ototoxicity Safe for Penicillin allergy, monitor ECG/hearing Tendon rupture, seizures, C. diff Avoid in elderly on steroids, monitor for reactions Ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity Monitor peak/trough, kidney function