N3540|N 3540 Pharmacotherapeutics Exam 1 Super
Notes: Antimicrobials, Analgesics, and More! 2026
newest update (The University of Texas Health Science
Center at Houston)
Miscellaneous Antimicrobials
Vancomycin
captain vanco! – optimal blood levels are 10 to 20
mcg/mL. measure the trough
• Action
o Binds to bacterial cell wall
o class: glycopeptide
o routes: IV and PO
• Uses
o IV: MRSA
o PO: severe c. diff infections
, • SE/ADR
o Irreversible ototoxicity (tinnitus = ringing in ears)
▪ Perform whisper test
o Nephrotoxicity
▪ Monitor drug blood levels, trough levels; ensure
adequate hydration (at least 2L of fluid in 24 hours)
▪ If creatinine > 1.2, withhold drug and contact
provider
o DO NOT USE WITH OTHER OTOTOXIC OR NEPHROTOXIC
MEDS
▪ Ototoxic – aminoglycosides, furosemide
▪ Nephro – aminoglycosides, NSAIDS, cyclosporine
o Red Man Syndrome (vasodilation) – infusion rate is too
fast (
▪ Slow that shit down
▪ Not an allergic reaction
▪ Can restart at slower rate once symptoms resolve
Metronidazole (don’t drink on the metro!)
• Action
o Inhibits DNA and protein synthesis to cause cell death
o Targets gram negative
• Uses
, o Treats trichomoniasis – STI
o Mild c.diff
o DO NOT TAKE WITH ALCOHOL. AVOID 24 HOURS BEFORE AND
36 HOURS AFTER!!!!
o Can take with food to minimize GI upset
o Ensure all sexual partners are treated if used for STI treatment
• SE/ADR
o GI upset
o Dark urine and metallic taste (both are normal side effects)
Nitrofurantoin
• Action
o Disrupts bacterial cell wall formation
• Uses
o Used for UTI’s
• SE/ADR
o Pulmonary toxicity – cough, chest pain, dyspnea
o Liver toxicity – elevated liver tests (ALT/AST), hepatitis,
jaundice
o Can take with food
o Harmless dark yellow or brown color urine
Phenazopyridine (pyridium) pain med, but doesn’t treat
• Uses
o Urinary tract analgesic: used for relief of pain for bladder
irritation
o UTI
o Not an antibiotic
• SE/ADR
o Will turn urine red or orange
Notes: Antimicrobials, Analgesics, and More! 2026
newest update (The University of Texas Health Science
Center at Houston)
Miscellaneous Antimicrobials
Vancomycin
captain vanco! – optimal blood levels are 10 to 20
mcg/mL. measure the trough
• Action
o Binds to bacterial cell wall
o class: glycopeptide
o routes: IV and PO
• Uses
o IV: MRSA
o PO: severe c. diff infections
, • SE/ADR
o Irreversible ototoxicity (tinnitus = ringing in ears)
▪ Perform whisper test
o Nephrotoxicity
▪ Monitor drug blood levels, trough levels; ensure
adequate hydration (at least 2L of fluid in 24 hours)
▪ If creatinine > 1.2, withhold drug and contact
provider
o DO NOT USE WITH OTHER OTOTOXIC OR NEPHROTOXIC
MEDS
▪ Ototoxic – aminoglycosides, furosemide
▪ Nephro – aminoglycosides, NSAIDS, cyclosporine
o Red Man Syndrome (vasodilation) – infusion rate is too
fast (
▪ Slow that shit down
▪ Not an allergic reaction
▪ Can restart at slower rate once symptoms resolve
Metronidazole (don’t drink on the metro!)
• Action
o Inhibits DNA and protein synthesis to cause cell death
o Targets gram negative
• Uses
, o Treats trichomoniasis – STI
o Mild c.diff
o DO NOT TAKE WITH ALCOHOL. AVOID 24 HOURS BEFORE AND
36 HOURS AFTER!!!!
o Can take with food to minimize GI upset
o Ensure all sexual partners are treated if used for STI treatment
• SE/ADR
o GI upset
o Dark urine and metallic taste (both are normal side effects)
Nitrofurantoin
• Action
o Disrupts bacterial cell wall formation
• Uses
o Used for UTI’s
• SE/ADR
o Pulmonary toxicity – cough, chest pain, dyspnea
o Liver toxicity – elevated liver tests (ALT/AST), hepatitis,
jaundice
o Can take with food
o Harmless dark yellow or brown color urine
Phenazopyridine (pyridium) pain med, but doesn’t treat
• Uses
o Urinary tract analgesic: used for relief of pain for bladder
irritation
o UTI
o Not an antibiotic
• SE/ADR
o Will turn urine red or orange
