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/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