High-Yield, Exam-Focused, Rapid Review Sheet
(Perfect for “night-before exam” prep)
1. Bactericidal vs Bacteriostatic
Bactericidal (Kills bacteria) – “Bad Bugs Die Fast”
Beta-lactams (PCNs, cephalosporins, carbapenems)
Aminoglycosides
Fluoroquinolones
Metronidazole
Vancomycin
Streptogramins
Bacteriostatic (Inhibits growth) – “ECSTaTIC”
Erythromycin (macrolides)
Clindamycin
Sulfonamides
Tetracyclines
Trimethoprim
Isoniazid (static on its own)
Chloramphenicol
2. Beta-Lactam Antibiotics Overview
Penicillins
,Leigh
Natural PCNs
Penicillin V, Penicillin G
Best for: Gram (+) (Strep, some anaerobes)
Aminopenicillins
Amoxicillin, Ampicillin
Added: Gram (–) (H. influenzae, E. coli)
Beta-Lactamase Inhibitor Combos
Amoxicillin–Clavulanate (Augmentin)
Coverage expands to beta-lactamase producers.
Anti-staphylococcal PCNs
Dicloxacillin, Nafcillin
DOC: MSSA skin infections
Anti-pseudomonal
Piperacillin/tazobactam
Covers: Pseudomonas, severe Gram (–)
Cephalosporins by Generation
1st gen
Cephalexin, cefazolin
Best for: Gram (+) cocci, skin infections
2nd gen
Cefuroxime, cefaclor, cefotetan
Adds: H. influenzae, some anaerobes
3rd gen
Ceftriaxone, cefdinir, cefpodoxime
Strong Gram (–) including more resistant strains
4th gen
, Leigh
Cefepime
Broad spectrum: Gram (+) and Gram (–)
3. Fluoroquinolones
Older FQs (Gram – heavy)
Ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin
Best for: UTIs, GI, Pseudomonas
Respiratory FQs
Levofloxacin, moxifloxacin
Best for: CAP, sinusitis
BLACK BOX WARNING:
Tendon rupture
CNS effects
Peripheral neuropathy
4. Macrolides
Drugs
Azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin
Uses
CAP (atypicals)
Pertussis
Legionella
Chlamydia
H. pylori regimens
Strep throat (PCN allergy)