Introduction:

In this informative lecture, Professor Roller gives a comprehensive overview of antibiotics. He begins the lecture by outlining the three symptoms associated with infectious disease, emphasizing the importance of the Therapeutic Guidelines for Antibiotics. The factors to consider when selecting antibiotic therapy are outlined, and the most commonly used antibiotics are listed. He begins his discussion of the major classes of antibiotics by introducing penicillin as the oldest, most commonly used and most effective antibiotic and explaining how it acts on disease. He identifies the difference between delayed and immediate sensitivity and reviews the symptoms and treatment of the various types of antibiotic sensitivity.

A review of the major classes of antibiotics is performed, identifying their appropriate use, as well as potential side effects. These include cephalosporins, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, quinolones, tetracyclines, lincosamides, glycopeptides, macrolides and nitromidazoles. A review of the most common drug reactions within the major classes of antibiotics is included.

Professor Roller discusses the effect of drug interaction and recommends ways to manage the administration of medicine to minimise their effects. The antibiotic of choice for the treatment of each of the common pathogens is identified. He discusses the causes and impact of antimicrobial resistance, outlining the measures to take for inpatient and outpatient settings. This lecture provides a solid overview of the appropriate use of antibiotics.

Learning Objectives:

The objectives of this session are to:

1. Review the symptoms of infection.
2. Discuss treatment options for each type of infection.
3. Consider the significance of the 'Therapeutic Guidelines for Antibiotics' when treating infection.
4. Learn the major classes of antibiotics.
5. Learn about the appropriate application and potential side effects of each class of antibiotic.
6. Discuss the symptoms and treatment of antibiotic sensitivity.
7. Review drug interaction within each class.
8. Discuss the causes of antimicrobial resistance.
9. Outline the steps to take in administering antibiotics to reduce the potential for antimicrobial resistance.
10. Understand methods of patient education in antibiotic drug administration.

About the Speaker

Honorary Associate Professor Louis Roller joined the Victorian College of Pharmacy (now named; The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University) in 1963. He was variously the Associate Dean Teaching (1992-2006) of the Faculty and Head of the Department of Pharmacy Practice (1992-2001) and Director of the Pharmacy Program until his retirement in December 2008. He has served on the Pharmacy Board of Victoria for 22 years and has contributed to various editions of the Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary Handbook and the Therapeutic Guidelines Antibiotic and Oral & Dental.

Presenters Name: Associate Professor Louis Roller, PhD.
Series developed by
Jennifer Gibson Pharm. D. (USA) and edited for Australia by
MediCom Medication Management Services

Recorded Date: March 2011

Duration of Session: 52 Minutes

State and Country of Recording: Victoria, Australia