Penicillinase-resistant; oral/IV; take on empty stomach
◆ Cephalosporins
Mechanism: Beta-lactam — same as penicillins. Higher generations have broader Gram-negative activity. Cross-reactivity with penicillins ~1-2% (true allergy).
Generation
Drug(s)
Coverage
Key Uses
1st
Cefalexin (oral), Cefazolin (IV)
Gram+ (MSSA, Strep)
Surgical prophylaxis, skin/soft tissue, UTI
2nd
Cefuroxime
Gram+, improved Gram−
RTI, UTI, surgical prophylaxis
3rd
Ceftriaxone, Ceftazidime
Broad Gram−; Ceftazidime covers Pseudomonas
CAP, meningitis, pyelonephritis; Ceftazidime for Pseudomonas/HAP
4th
Cefepime
Gram+, Gram− including Pseudomonas
Febrile neutropenia, HAP, severe infections
5th
Ceftaroline
MRSA (anti-MRSA activity)
MRSA SSTI, CAP; reserve use; no Pseudomonas
◆ Carbapenems — Reserve Agents
Reserve antibiotics: Use only for MDR Gram-negative infections, failed standard therapy, or high-risk patients. Overuse drives carbapenem resistance (CRE).
Drug
Coverage
Key Uses
Notes
Meropenem
Broadest — Gram+, Gram−, Pseudomonas, anaerobes
CRE-excluding MDR Gram−, severe sepsis, meningitis
Linezolid: MRSA (alternative to vancomycin), VRE; Mechanism: 50S (oxazolidinone); Watch: serotonin syndrome (SSRIs), myelosuppression (weekly FBC), MAO inhibition
Colistin (Polymyxin E): Last resort for MDR Gram-negatives (CRE, MDR Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter); IV & nebulised; nephrotoxic — monitor renal function; TDM where available
Linezolid + SSRIs/Tramadol: Risk of serotonin syndrome — check medication list before prescribing.
Vancomycin TDM Calculator
◆ AUC/MIC-Guided Vancomycin Check
Estimated AUC calculation using single-point Bayesian approach approximation. For clinical decision support — always confirm with pharmacist.
Notify infection control, public health authority, and ministry of health (DHA/MOH mandate)
Camel exposure history (drinking raw camel milk, animal contact) — relevant epidemiological risk factor
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)
Severity
Criteria
Treatment
Duration
Mild/Moderate
WBC <15, Creatinine normal, afebrile
Oral Metronidazole 400–500mg TDS
10 days
Severe
WBC ≥15, Creatinine ≥1.5x baseline, temp >38.5°C
Oral Vancomycin 125mg QDS (NOT IV — not absorbed)
10 days
Fulminant/Complicated
Ileus, megacolon, hypotension
Oral/rectal Vancomycin + IV Metronidazole; surgical consult
Until clinically resolved
Recurrent (2nd episode)
Second episode within 12 weeks
Fidaxomicin 200mg BD (preferred) or tapered Vancomycin
10 days Fidaxomicin
Contact precautions: Soap and water ONLY — alcohol hand gel does NOT kill C. diff spores. Dedicate equipment. Side room essential.
Interpreting Culture & Sensitivity Reports
MIC & Susceptibility Classification
MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration): Lowest concentration of antibiotic that inhibits visible bacterial growth (mg/L)
S — Susceptible: Infection likely to respond to standard dosing
I — Intermediate: May respond with higher dose or at sites of antibiotic concentration (e.g. urine); also called "Susceptible-Dose Dependent" (SDD) per EUCAST 2019
R — Resistant: Unlikely to respond even at maximum dose; avoid
Antibiotic Selection Process
1. Confirm species (e.g. E. coli, Klebsiella, Staph aureus)
3. Consider site of infection — antibiotic must reach the site
4. Consider patient allergies and renal/hepatic function
5. De-escalate from empirical broad-spectrum to narrow-spectrum based on culture
6. Document rationale in notes; inform prescriber of results promptly
AMS Core Principles & Nurse's Role
◆ The Right Antibiotic
Verify drug, dose, route, frequency, and duration match indication
Check allergy status before every administration
Confirm cultures were taken before first dose (where applicable)
Question empirical broad-spectrum use beyond 72h without documented indication
◆ Monitor & Report
Check TDM results (Vancomycin, Gentamicin) and report to prescriber
Review daily: culture results, WBC, CRP, temperature trending
Document antibiotic start date and planned stop/review date
Report antibiotic-associated diarrhoea (consider C. diff)
Report any adverse effects (rash, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity)
◆ De-escalation
Review sensitivities daily once culture results available
If organism is susceptible to narrow-spectrum agent — advocate de-escalation
Document clinical status at Day 3 review
If MRSA PCR/culture negative — consider stopping Vancomycin
Remind team of planned stop date on drug charts/electronic records
◆ IV to Oral Switch
Switch criteria (all must be met):
• Tolerating oral fluids/medications
• Afebrile for ≥24 hours
• Haemodynamically stable (no vasopressors)
• WBC trending to normal
• Suitable oral equivalent available with good bioavailability
High oral bioavailability (>80%): Amoxicillin, Levofloxacin, Metronidazole, Co-amoxiclav, Linezolid, Trimethoprim
Antibiotic Allergy Assessment
Key Fact: 90% of patients labelled "Penicillin Allergic" are NOT truly allergic. Most have experienced intolerance or non-allergic reactions. Incorrect allergy labels drive use of broader/less effective antibiotics and contribute to resistance.
Category
Definition
Examples
Action
True Allergy
IgE-mediated or immune-mediated reaction
Anaphylaxis, urticaria, angioedema, SJS
Document clearly; avoid drug class; refer for allergy testing if clinically needed
Intolerance
Predictable pharmacological side effect
Nausea, diarrhoea, yeast infection
Not a true allergy — document as intolerance; antibiotic may still be used if clinically essential
Side Effect
Non-immune-mediated reaction
Metallic taste (Metronidazole), headache
Not an allergy; document correctly
De-labelling Process:
Structured allergy history by nurse/pharmacist
Identify type and timing of original reaction
Refer to allergy clinic for skin testing (penicillin SPT/IDT)
Oral challenge under supervision if SPT negative
Update allergy record if de-labelled
Cephalosporin Cross-Reactivity: True cross-reactivity with Penicillin ~1–2% (side chain dependent, not ring-structure). Most patients with penicillin allergy can safely receive cephalosporins. Consult pharmacist or ID if uncertain.
Duration Guidelines
Infection
Recommended Duration
Notes
CAP (mild-moderate)
5–7 days
5 days sufficient if good response (IDSA/ATS); procalcitonin-guided
HAP/VAP
7 days
RCT evidence — 8 days = 15 days outcomes (non-inferior except Pseudomonas)
UTI (uncomplicated female)
3–5 days
3 days Trimethoprim; 5 days Nitrofurantoin
Pyelonephritis
10–14 days
Shorter if fluoroquinolone used (7 days); IV until afebrile then oral
SSTI (cellulitis)
5–7 days
Reassess at 5 days; extend if not improving
Sepsis (bacteraemia)
7–14 days
Depends on source; S. aureus bacteraemia minimum 14 days (IV); Gram-neg 7–10 days
C. difficile
10 days
Fidaxomicin for recurrent; extended taper for multiple recurrences
Osteomyelitis
4–6 weeks
IV then oral; OPAT (outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy) often required
GCC Context — Resistance & Mandates
◆ Local Resistance Landscape
High rates of ESBL-producing E. coli & Klebsiella in UAE, KSA, Qatar
MRSA prevalence 20–30% of S. aureus isolates in GCC ICUs
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) emerging — NDM-1 (New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase) detected
High fluoroquinolone resistance in Gram-negatives (overuse historically)
MERS-CoV remains endemic in Arabian Peninsula — strict protocols
◆ Regulatory & JCI Standards
DHA (Dubai Health Authority) / MOH UAE: Antimicrobial stewardship mandatory for all licensed facilities; AMS committee required
MOH KSA / MNGHA: National AMS programme guidelines; formulary restrictions for reserve antibiotics
JCI Standard MM.04: Medication management — high-alert medications including vancomycin require double-check protocols
Restricted antibiotics: Carbapenems, Colistin, Linezolid, Ceftaroline — require ID/AMS team approval in most GCC hospitals
Mandatory reporting: MRSA, VRE, CRE, C. difficile to infection control
Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics — Document & Review: When prescribing or administering broad-spectrum agents (Carbapenems, Pip-Tazo, Vancomycin, Colistin), document: indication, planned duration, and 48–72h review date. Failure to de-escalate within 72h without reason should trigger AMS pharmacist review.
IV Antibiotic Administration
Antibiotic
Infusion Time
Rate / Volume
Key Admin Notes
Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Pip-Tazo)
4 hours (extended infusion)
Dilute in 250 mL NaCl 0.9%
PK/PD advantage: time-dependent killing; extended infusion increases time above MIC ≥16 mg/L; stable 4h at room temp
Vancomycin
60 min per 1,000 mg minimum
Max 10 mg/min; dilute to 5 mg/mL (250 mg in 50 mL)
Too-fast infusion = Red Man Syndrome; use dedicated lumen; flush line before/after
Meropenem
30 min (standard); 3h extended for resistant organisms
Dilute in 50–100 mL NaCl 0.9%
Stable only 1h at room temp in NaCl; reconstitute freshly; CNS side effects if renal dose not adjusted
Gentamicin (once-daily)
60 min
Dilute in 100 mL NaCl 0.9%
Concentration-dependent; once-daily reduces toxicity; use Hartford nomogram for dose adjustment
Ceftriaxone
30 min
1–2g in 50–100 mL NaCl 0.9%
DO NOT mix with calcium-containing solutions (precipitation); incompatible with Ringer's lactate in neonates
Metronidazole IV
30–60 min
500 mg in 100 mL (pre-mixed) or dilute in NaCl 0.9%
Treatment: Vancomycin IV, Teicoplanin, Linezolid, Daptomycin, Ceftaroline (5th-gen)
Decolonisation protocol: Mupirocin 2% nasal ointment TDS x5 days + Chlorhexidine 4% body wash x5 days (pre-surgical or outbreak control)
Isolation: Side room (single room); if unavailable — cohort with other MRSA patients
Signage: Contact precautions sign on door
PPE: Gloves + apron for all contact; mask if aerosol-generating procedure
Equipment: Dedicated or single-use equipment (stethoscope, BP cuff)
Hand hygiene: ABHR before & after; soap & water if hands visibly soiled
Screening: Nose, axilla, groin swabs; wound swabs if applicable
ESBL — Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producers (E. coli / Klebsiella)
Mechanism: Plasmid-mediated beta-lactamases that hydrolyse extended-spectrum cephalosporins and penicillins
Treatment: Carbapenems (Meropenem/Ertapenem) — drug of choice; Temocillin (if available); avoid cephalosporins even if sensitive in vitro (inoculum effect)
Risk factors: Prior antibiotic use, catheterisation, GI colonisation, travel from endemic region
Isolation: Contact precautions; single room preferred
Signage: Contact precautions — ESBL
PPE: Gloves + apron for all patient contact
Critical: Meticulous hand hygiene; environmental cleaning (horizontal surfaces, commodes)
Report to: Infection control team; update microbiology alert on patient record
CRE/CPE — Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales
Types: KPC (Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase), NDM-1 (New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase), OXA-48 — detected in GCC
Discontinue offending antibiotics if possible; review PPI use (risk factor)
Antibiotic Spectrum Quick Reference
Relative Spectrum Coverage (indicative guide)
Amoxicillin
Gram+
Co-amoxiclav
Gram+/Gram−/Anaerobes
Cefazolin (1st)
Gram+ / some Gram−
Ceftriaxone (3rd)
Broad Gram−/Gram+
Pip-Tazo
Gram+/Gram−/Anaerobes/Pseudo
Meropenem
Broadest — reserve
Vancomycin
Gram+ only (MRSA)
Metronidazole
Anaerobes/Protozoa
Colistin
MDR Gram− only
Gram Stain Quick Interpretation: Gram+ cocci in clusters = Staphylococcus | Gram+ cocci in chains = Streptococcus | Gram− rods = Enterobacteriaceae (E. coli, Klebsiella) or Pseudomonas | Gram+ rods = Clostridium, Listeria | No organisms seen on Gram stain does not exclude infection
10-Question Antibiotic MCQ Quiz
Q1. Which antibiotic class inhibits cell wall synthesis by binding penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs)?
Q2. A patient on Vancomycin develops flushing, pruritus, and erythema over the face and upper chest 10 minutes into the infusion. What is the MOST likely diagnosis and correct action?
Q3. What is the TARGET AUC/MIC ratio for Vancomycin in serious MRSA infections?
Q4. A patient with C. difficile infection is going to the bathroom. What hand hygiene method MUST be used by staff caring for this patient?
Q5. Which of the following is the CORRECT infusion time for Piperacillin-Tazobactam to maximise pharmacodynamic effect?
Q6. A patient is labelled "Penicillin Allergy." Research shows what percentage of such patients are NOT truly allergic?
Q7. For a patient with uncomplicated community-acquired pneumonia (mild), what is the recommended antibiotic DURATION?
Q8. Which MRSA organism is treated with Mupirocin nasal ointment as part of decolonisation?
Q9. Which antibiotic can cause Serotonin Syndrome when given with SSRIs or Tramadol?
Q10. A nurse is about to administer IV Gentamicin using once-daily dosing. At what time should the TDM trough level be collected?