What drug class is Ampicillin?
Aminopenicillin.
What is Ampicillin used for?
To prevent and treat infections caused by Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and
Staphylococcus.
What is the MOA of Ampicillin?
It binds to penicillin-binding proteins and inhibits peptidoglycan, causing weak cell walls
→ bacterial lysis.
What are common side effects of Ampicillin?
Urticaria, itching, angioedema, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, oral candidiasis, rash.
What serious or uncommon side effects can Ampicillin cause?
Stevens-Johnson syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis, maculopapular rash.
What is the main contraindication for Ampicillin?
Allergy to penicillins.
What drugs interact with Ampicillin?
Aminoglycosides (additive killing) Methotrexate (↑ levels) NSAIDs (↑ free penicillin) Oral
contraceptives (decreased efficacy) Probenecid (↑ penicillin levels) Warfarin (↑
anticoagulant effect)
What patient teaching is needed for Ampicillin?
Take with water 1 hr before or 2 hrs after meals; don't double doses; avoid taking with
antacids, iron, calcium; drink at least 6 oz water.
What class is Ceftriaxone?
Third-generation cephalosporin.
What is Ceftriaxone used for?
Most infections and meningitis.
What is special about Ceftriaxone?
It crosses the blood-brain barrier and is excreted in bile.
What are its side effects?
Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, rash, itching.
, What patients cannot receive Ceftriaxone?
Hyperbilirubinemic neonates or severe liver dysfunction.
What can Ceftriaxone NOT be given with?
Calcium infusions.
Teaching for Ceftriaxone?
Given IM/IV once daily; avoid alcohol; do not mix with calcium.
What class is Imipenem/Cilastatin?
Carbapenem.
Why is Imipenem known?
Broadest antibacterial spectrum available.
What is Imipenem used for?
Bone, joint, skin, soft tissue infections; endocarditis; intra-abdominal infections; UTIs;
pneumonia; septicemia.
MOA of Imipenem?
Binds to PBPs → inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Major side effect?
Seizures.
Drug interactions?
Cyclosporine, ganciclovir, probenecid (↑ seizure risk).
What class is Vancomycin?
Glycopeptide.
What is Vancomycin used for?
MRSA, C. diff (oral), bone/joint infections, bloodstream infections.
MOA for Vancomycin?
Destroys bacteria by inhibiting cell wall synthesis.
Major side effects?
Ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, Red Man Syndrome, hypotension.
What increases nephrotoxicity with Vancomycin?
Aminoglycosides, cyclosporine, contrast media.
What should nurses check?
Trough levels 30 min before next dose; renal function; BP; hearing.