Pharmacology Mnemonics - Flash Cards

Name: Cefotaxime (Claforan)

Class: Third Gen. Cephalosporin

Mech.: Binds to PBPs, blocks activity of transpeptidases in terminal stages of cell wall formation. Bactericidal.

Absorption: IV

Distribution: good CSF

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: Hypersensitivity (some cross-sensitivity to pen.), superinfection, renal damage (worse if comb. w/aminoglycs.)

Utility: Serious nosocomial gram- sepsis. Meningitis caused by gram- enteric bacteria or H. influenzae. Serious Klebsiella infects., strep/staph infects, some penicillinase-producing bacteria. Nosocomial infects. Often used in comb. w/aminoglycosides.

Special Features: Decreased efficacy against gram+ cocci. Broader gram- spectrum. More resistance against b-lactamases than second generation. Problem w/bacterial resistance.

Name: Cefaclor (Ceclor)

Class: Second Gen. Cephalosporin

Mech.: Binds to PBPs, blocks activity of transpeptidases in terminal stages of cell wall formation. Bactericidal.

Absorption: Oral.

Distribution: Poor CSF.

Metab.:

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: Hypersensitivity (some cross-sensitivity to pen.), superinfection, renal damage (worse if comb. w/aminoglycs.)

Utility: Resp. and middle ear infections (H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis)

Special Features: More gram- efficacy than first gen. Less gram+ cocci efficacy than first gen. ­ b-lactamase resistance. Problem w/bacterial resistance.

Name: Cefoxitin (Mefoxin)

Class: Second Gen. Cephalosporin

Mech.: Binds to PBPs, blocks activity of transpeptidases in terminal stages of cell wall formation. Bactericidal.

Absorption: IV. IM rare due to pain.

Distribution: Poor CSF.

Metab.:

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: Hypersensitivity (some cross-sensitivity to pen.), superinfection, renal damage (worse if comb. w/aminoglycs.)

Utility: Mixed anaerobic infects.

Special Features: More gram- efficacy than first gen. Less gram+ cocci efficacy than first gen. ­ b-lactamase resistance.

Name: Cephalexin (Keflex)

Class: First Gen. Cephalosporin

Mech.: Binds to PBPs, blocks activity of transpeptidases in terminal stages of cell wall formation. Bactericidal.

Absorption: Oral.

Distribution: Poor CSF.

Metab.:

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: Hypersensitivity (some cross-sensitivity to pen.), superinfection, renal damage (worse if comb. w/aminoglycs.)

Utility: Usu not DOC. Serious Klebsiella infects., strep/staph infects, some penicillinase-producing bacteria.

Special Features: Narrow spectrum. Greater gram - activity than pen. G. More gram+ activity than gram - activity. Less susceptible to b-lactamase than most penicillins.

Name: Cephalothin (Keflin)

Class: First Gen. Cephalosporin

Mech.: Binds to PBPs, blocks activity of transpeptidases in terminal stages of cell wall formation. Bactericidal.

Absorption: IV. IM rarely used due to pain.

Distribution: Poor CSF.

Metab.:

Excretion, t½:

Toxicity/S.E.s: Hypersensitivity (some cross-sensitivity to pen.), superinfection, renal damage (worse if comb. w/aminoglycs.)

Utility: Usu not DOC. Serious Klebsiella infects., strep/staph infects, some penicillinase-producing bacteria.

Special Features: Narrow spectrum. Greater gram - activity than pen. G. More gram+ activity than gram - activity. Less susceptible to b-lactamase than most penicillins.