Antibiotics

   
 Side effects (SE) listed are either most common or serious 
   
Penicillins (PCNs)
  • Binds and inactivates bacterial enzymes (PCN-binding proteins) involved in peptidoglycan synthesis → inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis
  • Contains β-lactam ring; drug excretion via kidneys; specific types of PCNs:
    • PCNs with β-lactamase inhibitor: amoxicillin and clavulanate (Augmentin)
    • Penicillinase-resistant PCNs: dicloxacillin, methicillin, oxacillin
  • Spectrum: gram-positive (GP) bacteria and spirochetes
  • Treats: erysipeloid, anthrax, strep/staph infections, cat/dog/human bites
  • SE: morbilliform eruption, angioedema , anaphylaxis, hemolytic anemia, interstitial nephritis, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
  • Contraindication (CI): hypersensitivity to any β-lactam antibiotic; pregnancy category B