💊Pharmacology for Nurses Unit 7 – Anti–infective Drugs
Anti-infective drugs are vital medications used to combat infections caused by various microorganisms. These drugs work by either killing pathogens or inhibiting their growth, and are classified based on their mechanism of action and target organisms.
Proper use of anti-infectives is crucial in managing infectious diseases and preventing antibiotic resistance. The selection of appropriate drugs depends on factors like the causative agent, infection site, patient age, and existing health conditions.
Manage viral infections, including herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), influenza, and HIV
Treat fungal infections of the skin (dermatophytosis), nails (onychomycosis), and mucous membranes (oral candidiasis, vaginal candidiasis)
Address parasitic infections such as malaria, toxoplasmosis, and helminthic infestations (roundworms, tapeworms)
Prevent infections in high-risk situations (surgical prophylaxis, immunocompromised patients, exposure to infectious agents)
Eradicate colonization of multidrug-resistant organisms (MRSA decolonization) to reduce the risk of infection and transmission
Administration and Dosing
Route of administration depends on the type of infection, drug properties, and patient factors
Oral administration is preferred for mild to moderate infections and when the drug has good bioavailability
Intravenous administration is used for severe infections, when oral intake is not possible, or when high tissue concentrations are required
Intramuscular injections are used for certain drugs with poor oral bioavailability or when intravenous access is not available
Topical application is used for localized skin, eye, or ear infections
Dosing regimens are based on the drug's pharmacokinetic properties, the severity of the infection, and patient characteristics (age, weight, renal function)
Loading doses may be given to rapidly achieve therapeutic concentrations
Maintenance doses are administered at regular intervals to maintain steady-state concentrations
Dose adjustments may be necessary for patients with renal or hepatic impairment, obesity, or other factors affecting drug metabolism and elimination
Duration of therapy depends on the type and severity of the infection, the patient's response to treatment, and the risk of relapse or resistance development
Shorter courses may be sufficient for uncomplicated infections (e.g., 3-7 days for cystitis)
Longer courses are required for deep-seated, chronic, or recurrent infections (e.g., 4-6 weeks for osteomyelitis)
Therapeutic drug monitoring may be necessary for drugs with narrow therapeutic indices (aminoglycosides, vancomycin) to ensure efficacy and minimize toxicity
Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain) are common with many oral antibiotics due to alterations in gut microbiota
Allergic reactions can range from mild (rash, itching) to severe (anaphylaxis) and may be more common with certain drug classes (beta-lactams, sulfonamides)
Nephrotoxicity can occur with drugs excreted primarily by the kidneys (aminoglycosides, vancomycin) or those that form insoluble crystals in the renal tubules (acyclovir, sulfadiazine)
Hepatotoxicity is a potential risk with some anti-infective agents (isoniazid, rifampin, ketoconazole) and may manifest as elevated liver enzymes or frank hepatitis
Neurotoxicity, including ototoxicity, can occur with certain drugs (aminoglycosides, linezolid) and may be irreversible
Hematologic abnormalities, such as anemia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia, can be associated with various anti-infective drugs (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, linezolid)
Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea is a potentially serious complication of antibiotic therapy that results from the disruption of normal gut flora and overgrowth of toxigenic C. difficile strains
QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias are rare but serious adverse effects associated with some anti-infective agents (macrolides, fluoroquinolones)
Drug Interactions and Precautions
Concomitant use of antibiotics with oral contraceptives may reduce the effectiveness of contraception due to alterations in gut flora and increased drug metabolism
Antacids, iron supplements, and multivitamins can chelate certain antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones), reducing their absorption and efficacy
Warfarin's anticoagulant effect may be potentiated or inhibited by various anti-infective drugs, necessitating close monitoring of INR and dose adjustments
Nephrotoxic and ototoxic drugs (loop diuretics, NSAIDs) should be used cautiously with aminoglycosides due to the increased risk of kidney damage and hearing loss
Hepatotoxic drugs (acetaminophen, statins) should be used with caution in patients receiving potentially hepatotoxic anti-infective agents
Drug-induced QT prolongation can be exacerbated by the concomitant use of other QT-prolonging medications (antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants)
Pregnancy and lactation: certain anti-infective drugs may be contraindicated or require careful risk-benefit assessment and monitoring due to potential fetal or neonatal harm
Renal and hepatic impairment may necessitate dose adjustments or avoidance of certain anti-infective agents to prevent accumulation and toxicity
Nursing Considerations and Patient Education
Assess patient allergies and previous adverse reactions to anti-infective drugs before administration
Obtain baseline laboratory tests (CBC, renal function, liver enzymes) and monitor periodically during treatment as indicated
Administer medications at the prescribed time, dose, and duration, ensuring proper storage and handling of the drugs
Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection resolution (decreased fever, improved wound appearance, reduced pain) and report any lack of improvement or worsening to the healthcare provider
Observe for adverse drug reactions and promptly report any serious or unexpected side effects to the medical team
Educate patients on the importance of completing the full course of therapy even if symptoms improve to prevent relapse and reduce the risk of resistance development
Instruct patients to take medications as directed, with or without food as appropriate, and to avoid skipping or doubling doses
Teach patients about common side effects and when to seek medical attention for severe or persistent adverse reactions
Advise patients to inform their healthcare providers about all medications, supplements, and herbal products they are taking to avoid potential drug interactions
Emphasize the importance of proper hygiene, handwashing, and infection control measures to prevent the spread of infectious agents
Provide written instructions and educational materials to reinforce verbal teaching and ensure patient understanding of their anti-infective drug therapy