Fungal infections are most often found on the skin

Fungal infections are most often found on the skin and “topical azoles are fungicides that
are effective against tinea corporis, tinea cruris, and tinea pedis as well as cutaneous candidiasis”
(Arcangelo & Peterson, p. 142).
Metronidazole is commonly used to treat trichomoniasis and is only effective against
these parasites in the oral form (Arcangelo & Peterson). “Anthelmintics are agents used to
eradicate intestinal worms (helminths) from the body ” and are typically oral, but may be used
topically depending on the type of infection (Drugs.com, n.d.).
Beta-Lactam Antibiotics are useful in treating polymicrobial infections (Arcangelo &
Peterson, 2013). Penicillin is a beta-lactam that has been widely used for several years, but due
to resistance it is primarily recommended when a pathogen demonstrates sensitivity to it on a
culture. Cephalosporins are a beta-lactam group that is divided into four “generations”. First
generation cephalosporins, such as Cefazolin, are more efficient against gram-positive bacteria
and less potent against gram-negative bacteria. Cefepime, a fourth-generation cephalosporin,
demonstrates an increase in gram-negative activity with less gram-positive coverage (Arcangelo
& Peterson).
Fluoroquinolones, macrolides, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines are broad-spectrum
antibiotics that can be used to treat gram-negative, gram-positive, and some atypical organisms
(Arcangelo & Peterson, 2013). Aminoglycosides are primarily used to treat gram-negative
infections and must be used cautiously due to the risk of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity
associated with these medications (Arcangelo & Peterson). Vancomycin is a glycopeptide with a
“narrow spectrum of activity directed toward gram-positive organisms” (Arcangelo & Peterson,
p. 110). Arcangelo and Peterson report that it is the drug of choice for MRSA and other resistant