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Anti-Infective Agents

Terms in this set (13)

Antibiotics
(Greek anti, "against"; bios, "life") Are chemical compounds used to kill or inhibit the growth of infectious organisms. Originally the term antibiotic referred only to organic compounds, produced by bacteria or molds, that are toxic to other microorganisms. The term is now used loosely to include synthetic and semisynthetic organic compounds. Antibiotic refers generally to antibacterials; however, because the term is loosely defined, it is preferable to specify compounds as being antimalarials, antivirals, or antiprotozoals. All antibiotics share the property of selective toxicity: They are more toxic to an invading organism than they are to an animal or human host.
-cidal
To kill.
-static
To inhibit growth.
Antimicrobials Include:
• Disinfectants
• Antiseptics
• Antibiotics
Antibiotics
Antibiotics can be classified in several ways. The most common method classifies them according to their action against the infecting organism. Some antibiotics attack the cell wall; some disrupt the cell membrane; and the majority inhibit the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins, the substances that make up the bacterial cell. Another method classifies antibiotics according to which particular bacterial strains they affect: staphylococcus, streptococcus, or Escherichia coli, for example. Antibiotics are also classified on the basis of their chemical structure, as penicillins, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, macrolides, or sulfonamides, among others.
Types of Antibiotics
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Penicillin
Penicillins are bactericidal, inhibiting formation of the cell wall. There are four types of penicillins. Penicillin-G types are effective against gram-positive strains of streptococci, staphylococci, and some gram-negative bacteria. Ampicillin and amoxicillin have a range of effectiveness similar to that of penicillin-G, with a slightly broader spectrum, including some gram-negative bacteria.

Side effects of the penicillins, while relatively rare, can include immediate and delayed allergic reactions—specifically, skin rashes, fever, and anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal.

Penicillin G, cloxacillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin.
Cephalosporin
Like the penicillins, cephalosporins interfere with synthesis of the bacterial cell wall and so are bactericidal. Cephalosporins are more effective than penicillin against gram-negative bacilli and equally effective against gram-positive cocci. Rare hypersensitive reactions from the cephalosporins include skin rash, fever, and, less frequently, anaphylactic shock. These antibiotics are also reported to cause pain on IM injection.

Includes products like: Cefadroxil, cephalexin, Keflex
Aminoglycoside
Streptomycin is the oldest of the aminoglycosides. The aminoglycosides inhibit bacterial protein synthesis in many gram-negative and some gram-positive organisms. The members of this group tend to be more toxic than other antibiotics. Rare adverse effects associated with prolonged use of aminoglycosides include damage to the vestibular region of the ear (ototoxic), hearing loss, and kidney damage (nephrotoxic).

Aminoglcosides include gentamicin, neomycin, streptomycin, amikacin.
Tetracycline
Tetracyclines are bacteriostatic, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. They are broad-spectrum antibiotics effective against strains of streptococci, hemobartonellosis, Mycoplasma pneumonia, chlamydia, psittacosis, and Lyme Disease. Tetracyclines in young pets (under 2-3 months) can be incorporated into developing teeth imparting a permanent mottled yellow colour to the tooth enamel. Tetracyclines are not well tolerated by dogs orally and even less so with cats.

Includes variations such as: Chlortetracycline, Oxytetracycline, Doxycycline, Liquamycin

Tetracyclines which have passed their drug expiration dates can change into nephrotoxic metabolites and should always be discarded by the expiry date on the container.
Sulfonamide
The sulfonamides are synthetic bacteriostatic, broad-spectrum antibiotics, effective against most gram-positive and many gram-negative bacteria. These antibiotics are now used only in very specific situations, including treatment of protozoal infections by Coccidia and Toxoplasma. Side effects may include disruption of the gastrointestinal tract and hypersensitivity.

Products: Tribrissen Inj., Albon Oral Suspension, Primor Tablets

Some sulfas such as sulfadiazine are combined with another antimicrobial drug called trimethoprim to form a product such as Tribrissen.
Lincosamide
The lincosamides (especially common Lincomycin) inhibit bacterial protein synthesis and are either bacteriostatic or bactericidal. Lincosamides are metabolized in the liver and excreted in the bile or urine. These antibiotics are especially used for skin infections in dogs and cats.
Lincocin is a common trade name for lincomycin.

Preparations; Clindamycin, Lincomycin,
Chloramphenicol
Broad-spectrum antibiotic which is readily absorbed into tissues and fluids. It is metabolized in liver (although poorly in cats) and excreted in urine. Used as tablet, powder or eye ointment. Can cause fatal aplastic anemia in humans and is thus not commonly used in animals. Caution when handling chloramphenicol capsules or powders. Major use in vet med is as an ophthalmic ointment/drops. A newer drug that acts like chloramphenicol but has no serious side effects is florfenicol.
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