Antibiotics Review
Course Overview
Choosing an antibacterial agent can be challenging, given the wide array of drugs available. Learning the important properties and uses of these drugs is made easier by the fact that they are grouped in classes based on their biochemical structure. Members of a drug class share characteristics such as clearance, mechanism of action, absorption, and side effects; knowing these shared properties makes it easier to choose the appropriate agent for a particular patient. In addition, it is easier to quickly grasp the strengths and weaknesses of a newly marketed antibiotic if you understand the general pharmacology of its class. A good grasp of the use of specific agents to target specific bacteria leads to improved clinical response to treatment and a decrease in the likelihood of the development of microbial resistance. This course is intended as an overview of the general characteristics of the major antibiotic classes, with a brief discussion of the individual agents and indications, giving greater perspective to the actions and characteristics of antibiotics. Due to the large number of antibiotics available, this course focuses on eight major classes of antibiotics: the penicillins, cephalosporins, other beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, macrolides, quinolones, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines. A brief discussion of vancomycin and the newer glycopeptide analogues is also included.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Describe the general characteristics and mode of action of antibiotics commonly in use.
- Employ best practice principles for limiting the emergence and transmission of antimicrobial-
resistant strains within the healthcare environment. - Discuss the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and spectrum of activity of natural and extended-spectrum penicillins.
- Select the most appropriate, cost-effective cephalosporin based on “generational” characteristics and spectrum of activity.
- Describe the role of carbapenems and monobactams.
- Discuss the characteristics, expected toxicities, and indications for the use of aminoglycosides, macrolides, and sulfonamides.
- Outline the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and advantages inherent to quinolones and the tetracyclines.
About the Author/Presenter
Donna Coffman, MD, attended medical school at the University of Louisville and completed her residency in Family Practice at St. John's Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri. She is board-certified in Family Medicine and currently on staff at John Cochran VAMC in St. Louis.
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
TRC Healthcare/ NetCE
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by TRC Healthcare/ NetCE. TRC Healthcare/NetCE is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Dental AGD code: 148, Nursing, Physician
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