WK8AssgnMorganLNURS6521.docx - Running head ANTIMICROBIAL...

Running head: ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS 1
Antimicrobial Agents
Lori Morgan
Walden University
Advanced Pharmacology
NURS-6521N
Dr. Banks
July 17, 2019

ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS 2
Antimicrobial Agents
Antimicrobial therapy is a crucial part of the treatment for bacterial infections by
inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms from growing. There are many factors associated in
selecting the proper regimen for treatment, and as an advanced practice nurse (APN), it is
essential that there is understanding as to which would be the best option for treatment after a
thorough history and assessment are completed. The purpose of this assignment is to describe the
different categories of the antimicrobial agents, while also explaining the differences between
viral and bacterial infections. Lastly, tell why appropriate identification of both viral and
bacterial infections is key to selecting the proper antimicrobial agent.
Categories
Antimicrobial therapy is dependent on the epidemiology of the infection, and identifying
the causative agent is the goal for optimal treatment choice (Laureate Education, 2012).
Penicillin is used to treat streptococcal and staphylococcal infections and has helped to address
the drug-resistant problem (Arcangelo et al., 2017). This class of drugs are not stable in an acidic
environment; therefore, it is typically administered parenterally (Arcangelo et al., 2017). It is
highly used for the treatment of upper and lower respiratory infections, urinary infections, and
sexually transmitted diseases (Barker, Germovsek, & Sharland, 2015).
Beta-Lactam/Beta-Lactamase inhibitor combination is generally used to treat
polymicrobial infections. Such infections are intraabdominal and gynecologic infections, as well
as soft tissue, animal bites, and diabetic foot infections (Arcangelo et al., 2017). The primary role
of this category is to prevent the breakdown of the beta-lactam by organisms that produce the
enzyme, resulting in antibacterial activity (Arcangelo et al., 2017). Types of drugs in this
category are cephalosporins, monobactams, and carbapenems (Arcangelo et al., 2017).

ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS 3
Fluoroquinolones are a primary drug used as an antimicrobial agent. The significance of