This nursing pharmacology review provides a high-yield overview of the most important antibiotic classes used in clinical practice. The video explains how common antibiotics work, what infections they treat, and the major nursing considerations associated with each class. Key topics include penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, vancomycin, aminoglycosides, and sulfonamides. Emphasis is placed on side effects, black box warnings, allergy considerations, renal dosing, patient counseling, and critical monitoring parameters nurses should recognize in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
You can find the full 16+ hour nursing pharmacology review course, including PDF handouts, cheat sheets, practice questions, and on-demand videos at meded101.com!
Zosyn (piperacillin/tazobactam) is a broad-spectrum β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination used widely in hospitals. Piperacillin covers gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria, while tazobactam helps protect against β-lactamase breakdown. It is commonly used for pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and febrile neutropenia. An important pharmacology pearl for exams is understanding that Pseudomonas, but it doesn’t cover MRSA.
The drug is renally eliminated, so dosing adjustments are needed in kidney impairment. Many institutions use extended or prolonged infusions to maximize time above the MIC, which can improve efficacy. Standard dosing is 3.375 g to 4.5 g every 6–8 hours, with modifications for dialysis patients.
Adverse effects include hypersensitivity, gastrointestinal upset, electrolyte imbalances like hypokalemia, and blood count changes with prolonged therapy. A key clinical concern is nephrotoxicity risk, especially when used with vancomycin. Monitoring renal function and electrolytes are important.
Methotrexate and probenecid are two medications that can interact with Zosyn. Concentrations of Zosyn can be increased when these medications are used in combination.
We have finally reached 100 of the top 200 drugs podcasts!
On this episode, we tackle methadone. This is a complex opioid used for opioid use disorder and may also be used for pain.
Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that is used for hypertension. Cough and hyperkalemia are two major adverse effects to remember.
Oseltamivir is a neuraminidase inhibitor. In patients with poor renal function, we need to make sure to adjust the dose accordingly.
Ropinirole is a dopamine agonist. This medication is primarily used for restless leg syndrome but is also indicated for Parkinson’s disease.
Penicillin VK is the original penicillin antibiotic. Common indications of this medication are strep throat, skin and soft tissue infections, and syphilis.
