Sulfonamides
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most commonly reported bacterial infec-
tion in the United State. E colicauses 90% of them, some of which are hospital
acquired. Hospital acquired UTI are difficult to treat. Other UTI are caused by
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia,andEnterobacter.
A family of antibiotics called sulfonamides, that stops the growth of bacteria, is
used to treat UTI. These include trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)
and cephalasporins. Aztreonam and fluoroquinolones are used as urinary tract
antiseptics.Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) is used to treat pain from a UTI.
Patients who are prescribed sulfonamides should avoid coffee, tea, and juices.
These are high in citric acid. They also should abstain from cola, alcohol, choco-
late, and spices which irritate the bladder.
CHAPTER 13 Antimicrobials—Fighting Infection^241
Antibiotic Description
Imipenem-cilastatin Drug interaction: None
(Primaxin IM, Primaxin IV) Contraindication: not for use in children under
(continued) 12 years oldMeropenem Use: treats susceptible intraabdominal infections
(Merrem IV) (complicatedappendicitis and peritonitis) and
bacterial meningitis
Route: IV, IM
Dose: IV 1 g over 40–60 minutes.
Time: q8h
Protein-Binding: 20%
Half-Life: 1 h
Pregnancy Category: C
Side Effects: pseudomembranous colitis, hypersensitivity,
diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, and rash
Drug interaction: None
Contraindications: Use with caution with clients with
allergy to imipenem, cilastin or other beta-lactams.
Kidney problems require a reduced dosage. More than
2 g daily increase the risk for seizures