4.They inhibit the bacteria’s capability to make (synthesize) essential
metabolites. A metabolite is a component necessary for bacteria’s metabo-
lism to function properly.Medication used to stop the growth of microbials or kill them outright have
side effects, some of which can adversely affect the patient. Some cause an aller-
gic reaction while others lead to an exaggerated immune response. Here are a
few common ones that you probably recognize:- Rash
- Fever
- Urticaria (hives) with pruritis (itching)
- Chills, general erythema (redness)
- Anaphylaxis (circulatory collapse)
These side effects are usually treatable by using other medication such as:- Antihistamines (Benadryl)
- Epinephrine (adrenalin)
- Steroids for anti-inflammatory response
Superinfections
Antibiotics are a good thing—and a not so good thing. The benefit is obvious.
Antibiotics kill bacteria, however, problems can arise. The normal microbial
flora die along with the bacteria. This flora can be replaced by resistant bacteria
and superinfection can occur. This is a greater risk when large doses of anti-
biotics are used, when more than one antibiotic is used at a time, or when broad-
spectrum drugs are used. For example, the overuse of cephalosporins may cause
pseudomonas and the overuse of tetracycline may cause candida albicans.
Pseudomonasandcandida albicansare then considered to be a superinfection in
response to the use of cephalosporins and tetracycline.
Resistance to the antibiotic is another problem that can occur. Culture and
sensitivity studies should be performed on all infections in order to determine
which antibiotics will work for the microorganism that is causing the infection.
The test can be performed on blood or wound drainage to identify the bacteria
and help identify which antibiotic will be effective.(^206) CHAPTER 13 Antimicrobials—Fighting Infection