Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Chemotherapy

What the page covers

This unit sits in the Chemotherapy of Infections and Cancer strand of Pharmacology. The resources are mostly mind maps, quizzes and flashcard decks, with some notes, slide sets and flowcharts. Together they follow the main antibiotic classes: cell wall synthesis inhibitors, protein synthesis inhibitors, folate synthesis inhibitors, DNA and RNA inhibitors and membrane attackers. A few resources reach further, into antifungals, antivirals, antimalarials and anthelmintic drugs.

Where to start

Begin with the big picture. The Antibiotic Concept Map splits the field into classes by target. Then open the Beta-Lactams mind map, which covers penicillin G and penicillin V, the inhibition of transpeptidases, the activation of autolysins, and resistance through beta-lactamases and altered PBPs.

1. Read a concept map to see the classes.
2. Move to a class map, such as Antibiotics 1: Penicillins and Cephalosporins.
3. Use flashcards such as the deck on β-lactamase Inhibitors to fix key facts.
4. Finish with a quiz.

Maps and quizzes together

Read a map first, then close it and try a quiz on the same class. The Cell Wall inhibitors quiz asks about benzathine penicillin and what penicillin is still used for. The quizzes on sulfonamides and quinolones, and on fluoroquinolones, test mechanisms, pharmacokinetics and uses. When you miss a question, go back to the matching map and look for the branch you skipped.

Beyond the first classes

Once beta-lactams feel familiar, move on to the Sulphonamide Antibacterial Agent map, the deck on lincomycins, polypeptides and newer antibiotics, and the maps on tetracyclines, aminoglycosides and protein synthesis inhibitors. Teachers can pick a map or quiz to set as a starter or a recap task.

Choose one class today, read its map and see how much you can recall from the quiz.