Pharmacology for Nurses

💊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.

What Are Anti-infective Drugs?

  • Medications used to treat or prevent infections caused by various microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites)
  • Work by either killing the infectious agents (bactericidal) or inhibiting their growth and reproduction (bacteriostatic)
  • Classified based on their mechanism of action, spectrum of activity, and the type of microorganism they target
  • Can be administered orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, or topically depending on the type of infection and drug properties
  • Play a crucial role in managing infectious diseases and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with infections
  • Proper use of anti-infective drugs helps prevent the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of microorganisms
  • Selecting the appropriate anti-infective drug depends on factors such as the causative agent, site of infection, patient's age, and comorbidities

Types of Anti-infective Drugs

  • Antibiotics target bacterial infections and are further classified into subgroups based on their chemical structure and mechanism of action
    • Beta-lactams (penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactams) inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis
    • Aminoglycosides (gentamicin, tobramycin) disrupt bacterial protein synthesis
    • Tetracyclines (doxycycline, minocycline) inhibit bacterial protein synthesis
    • Macrolides (erythromycin, azithromycin) inhibit bacterial protein synthesis
    • Fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) inhibit bacterial DNA replication
  • Antiviral drugs target viral infections by inhibiting viral replication or entry into host cells
    • Nucleoside analogs (acyclovir, famciclovir) inhibit viral DNA synthesis
    • Protease inhibitors (ritonavir, saquinavir) block viral protein synthesis
    • Neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir, zanamivir) prevent the release of viral particles from infected cells
  • Antifungal drugs treat fungal infections by disrupting fungal cell membranes or inhibiting fungal growth
    • Azoles (fluconazole, itraconazole) inhibit fungal cell membrane synthesis
    • Polyenes (amphotericin B, nystatin) bind to ergosterol in the fungal cell membrane, causing cell lysis
    • Echinocandins (caspofungin, micafungin) inhibit the synthesis of fungal cell wall components
  • Antiparasitic drugs target parasitic infections by interfering with parasite metabolism or reproduction
    • Antiprotozoal agents (metronidazole, tinidazole) disrupt parasite DNA synthesis
    • Anthelmintics (albendazole, mebendazole) inhibit parasite glucose uptake or microtubule formation

How Anti-infective Drugs Work

  • Interfere with essential processes or structures specific to the target microorganism while minimizing harm to human cells
  • Inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by preventing the formation of peptidoglycan, a key component of the bacterial cell wall
  • Disrupt bacterial protein synthesis by binding to bacterial ribosomes and interfering with the translation of mRNA into proteins
  • Block bacterial DNA replication or transcription by inhibiting enzymes involved in these processes (DNA gyrase, topoisomerase IV)
  • Alter fungal cell membrane permeability by binding to ergosterol, a lipid unique to fungal cell membranes, causing cell lysis
  • Inhibit viral replication by incorporating into viral DNA or RNA, leading to chain termination and halting viral genome replication
  • Prevent viral entry into host cells by blocking viral surface proteins that facilitate attachment and fusion with host cell membranes
  • Disrupt parasite metabolism by inhibiting the synthesis of essential compounds (folic acid, pyrimidines) or interfering with energy production

Common Uses and Indications

  • Treat bacterial infections of various body systems (respiratory, urinary, gastrointestinal, skin, and soft tissue infections)
    • Pneumonia, bronchitis, and other respiratory tract infections
    • Urinary tract infections (cystitis, pyelonephritis)
    • Skin and soft tissue infections (cellulitis, impetigo, wound infections)
    • Gastrointestinal infections (Helicobacter pylori, Salmonella, Shigella)
  • 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


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.