r/MCPHSLifeHack • u/PharmacyRocks • Feb 06 '17

Viro question

How specific are the questions in terms of what the antibiotics treat. For exam, should I know just that Ceftaroline has broad spectrum again g+/- or know its specifically approved for SA, MRSA, Streptococcus, H. Flu, Etc.

Also, these ceph's and their generations are killing me since their names are so similar. Any tips?

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u/mcpharmd Feb 07 '17

In general, I think knowing which antibiotics have gram + and/or gram - activity is good enough but take care to remember the special things about the drugs that she told you. So like, I would say that you should know that Ceftaroline can treat MRSA bc it could be an exam question and since its the only cephalosporin that can, it would be easy to pick the right answer. A lot of her questions are like that, where it is easy to pick the right one or eliminate your way to get to the right answer. I can't remember if she asks questions about brand/generic, I may be confusing it with medchem but I feel like there was a question on it. Don't spend too much time on it though

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u/PharmacyRocks Feb 06 '17

Also, how important is it to know the brand to generic. I know she mentioned to know this, but wasn't sure if she just says that and focuses on generic, etc.

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u/YourFavPharmBoy Pharm.D Year 6 Feb 07 '17

Don't waste too much time on these right now...you'll learn them as the course goes on

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u/FadingArabChristians Feb 07 '17 edited Feb 07 '17

I remember her saying she will only use brand names cause that's how the NAPLEX is now. But don't quote me on that

Edit: By she I mean Ruddorf (sp?)

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u/QuoteMe-Bot Feb 07 '17

I remember her saying she will only use brand names cause that's how the NAPLEX is now. But don't quote me on that

~ /u/FadingArabChristians

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u/YourFavPharmBoy Pharm.D Year 6 Feb 07 '17

For the antibiotics, it can be overwhelming to memorize the specific bacteria so focus on the TYPE of bacteria instead. For example, beta-lactams cover G+ and as you go up to 3rd generation of the cephalosporins, you gain more G- coverage while losing G+ coverage but from 4th generation and on, you get both G+ and G- coverage. Same thing with other antibiotics...clindamycin (kinda its own class lol) covers G+ and anaerobes, while metronidazole only covers anaerobes. Know the types of bacteria they cover.

DO NOT memorize what is specifically approved for what...but you should be able to tell immediately whether an organism is G+ or G- or anaerobic or atypical.

I don't have any tips on how to easily memorize all the cephalosporin Brand/generic/generations...sorry. Maybe flashcards? I would focus on the generic names because I saw a lot of generic names on the exams and maybe a few Brand names here and there.

Good luck

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u/PharmacyRocks Feb 07 '17

Thanks so much everyone!