General: Beta-Lactams

Question 1

Which antibiotic classes fall under beta-lactams?

Answer 1

• Penicillin’s
• Cephalosporins
• Carbapenems
• Monobactams

Question 2

Which beta-lactam is structurally similar to the other antibiotics but lacks one of the two rings that other beta-lactams have?

Answer 2

Monobactams

Question 3

(T/F) - Monobactams have little to no effect of cross-allergenicity with other beta-lactams

Answer 3

TRUE

Question 4

(T/F) - Only a certain beta-lactams can cause hypersensitivity reactions such as fever, rashes, interstitial nephritis, and/or anaphylaxis.

Answer 4

FALSE - ALL beta-lactams can cause hypersensitivity reactions

Question 5

(T/F) - Some cross-sensitivity can occur among beta-lactams

Answer 5

TRUE

Question 6

Can seizures occur in any beta-lactam? If so, how?

Answer 6

Yes, by giving very high doses

Question 7

If a beta-lactam is renally cleared and the patient has renal dysfunction, what should be done before administration?

Answer 7

Adjust the dose to avoid drug accumulation

Question 8

(T/F) - ALL beta-lactams lack against atypical organisms

Answer 8

TRUE

Question 9

Which beta-lactam is the ONLY drug that covers MRSA?

Answer 9

5th-generation cephalosporin: Ceftaroline

Question 10

What is the MOA of all beta-lactams?

Answer 10

• Inhibiting cell wall synthesis via inhibition of cross-linking of peptidoglycan in the cell wall, leading to autolysis and cell death.
• The beta-lactam ring of the drug forms a covalent bond with the proteins essential for cell wall synthesis (PBPs = penicillin-binding proteins) leading to bactericidal activity against sensitive bacteria

Question 11

What ways are bacteria resistant to beta-lactams?

Answer 11

• Production of beta-lactamase, an enzyme that inactivates beta-lactams
• Alterations of PBPs

Question 12

Why is MRSA resistant to most beta-lactams?

Answer 12

Due to the two types of resistant