Carbapenems Flashcards Preview

3: Drugs for Clinical Medicine > Carbapenems > Flashcards

Flashcards in Carbapenems Deck (12)
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1
Q

Give 3 examples of carbapenems

A
  • Meropenem
  • Imipenem
  • Ertapenem
2
Q

What is the mechanism of action of carbapenems?

A

Inhibit cross-linking of peptide chains in the peptidoglycan bacterial cell wall, resulting in lysis of the weakened bacterial cell wall

3
Q

What are the potential routes of delivery of carbapenems?

A
  • PO

- IV

4
Q

What are the potential indications of carbapenems?

A
  • Severe hospital acquired infections

- Polymicrobal infections

5
Q

When are carbapenems contraindicated?

A

In patients with hypersensitivity reactions to penicillin

6
Q

What monitoring is required when giving carbapenems?

A
  • WCC
  • CRP
  • Patient’s clinical state
7
Q

What might interact with carbapenems?

A

Sodium valproate

8
Q

What effect might carbapenems have when given with sodium valproate?

A

Reduce plasma concentration of sodium valproate

9
Q

What are the common or very common side effects of carbapenems?

A
  • GI disturbances, e.g. diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting
  • Headache
  • Mild skin reactions
  • Pruritis
  • Disturbances in LFTs
10
Q

What counselling is required when giving patients carbapenem?

A
  • Complete antibiotic course

- Do not take if allergic to penicillin

11
Q

Why is it important that patients complete their antibiotic course?

A

Failure to complete the course may result in antibiotic resistance, making infections by the pathogen harder to treat in the future

12
Q

Why should patients not take carbapenems if they are allergic to penicillin?

A

Due to cross-sensitivity