Antimicrobials

Which one of the following statements regarding antimicrobials is TRUE?

a) Carbapenems are not β-lactam antibacterial drugs

b) Action against Gram-negative bacteria was superior with the earlier generations

of cephalosporins but Gram-positive cover has been sequentially improved

c) Fluoroquinolones include norfloxacin, ofloxacin and lomefloxacin

d) Tazocin® is the trade name for the generic antimicrobial tazobactam

e) Aminoglycoside antibacterial drugs include gentamicin, netilmicin, vancomycin

and tobramycin

Answer: c

Explanation

β-lactam antibacterial drugs may be subdivided into four groups: penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems and monobactams. Each of these four may be further subclassified. Cephalosporins maintain good Gram-positive action, and with each successive generation Gram-negative cover is improved. Tazocin® is the trade name for the

combination preparation piperacillin (a broad spectrum agent with anti-pseudomonal action) with tazobactam (a β-lactamase inhibitor with no intrinsic antimicrobial activity of its own). Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibacterial agent. It is synergistic with aminoglycosides. Ciprofloxacin is the most commonly encountered fluoroquinolone but the others do have their specific indications.