Cephalosporins · Antiprotozoal (Flagyl) · Stool Softeners · Corticosteroids · Aminoglycosides · Bronchodilators
Six unrelated-looking classes that actually share three exam themes: cross-reactivity (beta-lactam allergies), what happens if you stop suddenly (steroids), and toxicity you can hear or measure (aminoglycosides). Group them by theme, not just by name, and this page gets much easier.
📄 Simple Nursing original — opens in Drive →
Robo's 3-part study map for every drug on this page: CLASS → ACTION → WATCH.
| Class | Brand Name(s) | Generic Name |
|---|---|---|
| Cephalosporin | Rocephin | Ceftriaxone |
| Maxipime | Cefepime | |
| Mefoxin | Cefoxitin | |
| Ancef | Cefazolin | |
| Antiprotozoal | Flagyl | Metronidazole |
| Stool Softener | Colace | Docusate Sodium |
| Surfak | Docusate Calcium | |
| Corticosteroid | Celestone | Betamethasone |
| Decadron | Dexamethasone | |
| Deltasone | Prednisone | |
| Solu-Cortef | Hydrocortisone | |
| Solu-Medrol | Methylprednisolone | |
| Amino- glycoside | Gentamicin | Gentamicin Sulfate |
| Streptomycin | Streptomycin Sulfate | |
| Tobramycin | Tobramycin Sulfate | |
| Bronchodilator / Respiratory | Proventil, Ventolin | Albuterol Sulfate |
| Foradil | Formoterol Fumarate | |
| Xopenex | Levalbuterol | |
| Spiriva | Tiotropium | |
| Advair Diskus | Fluticasone/Salmeterol (combo) | |
| Brovana | Arformoterol Tartrate |
One card per class, plus two diagrams: the beta-lactam cell wall and the corticosteroid HPA-axis shutdown.
Mechanism: beta-lactam antibiotics — bind penicillin-binding proteins and disrupt bacterial cell wall synthesis, causing the cell to rupture.
⭐ Key nursing point: beta-lactam antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, monobactams, and carbapenems — assess for an allergy to any beta-lactam before giving a cephalosporin, since cross-reactivity is possible.
Mechanism: disrupts DNA synthesis in anaerobic bacteria and certain protozoa.
⭐ Key nursing point: no alcohol products of any kind — including mouthwash, aftershave, deodorant, or bath splashes — for the duration of therapy and for a period afterward.
Mechanism: ↓ the surface tension of the interfacing liquid in the bowel, allowing additional liquid to penetrate the stool — producing a softer mass, not increased peristalsis.
⭐ Key nursing point: this is prevention/comfort (e.g., avoiding straining after surgery or with hemorrhoids), not treatment for an already-impacted or acutely constipated patient — it is not a stimulant laxative.
Mechanism: ↓ inflammation, produce intentional immunosuppression, and are used to treat adrenocortical insufficiency (replace cortisol the body isn't making).
⭐ Key nursing point: monitor blood glucose (steroids raise it) and watch closely for masked signs of infection — steroids blunt the normal fever/WBC response, so infection can be present without the usual warning signs.
Mechanism: bind bacterial ribosomes and block protein synthesis — bactericidal, typically reserved for serious gram-negative infections.
⭐ Key nursing point: nephrotoxic and ototoxic — monitor renal function (BUN/creatinine, urine output) and hearing (tinnitus, dizziness, hearing loss); peak and trough drug levels guide safe dosing.
Mechanism: relax bronchial smooth muscle to open the airway (beta-agonists like albuterol, formoterol, levalbuterol, arformoterol; Spiriva/tiotropium works differently, as an anticholinergic bronchodilator). Advair combines a corticosteroid (fluticasone, anti-inflammatory) with a long-acting bronchodilator (salmeterol).
Rescue vs. controller, and the taper rule that applies to more than just steroids.
| Rescue (fast-acting bronchodilator) | Controller (long-term / anti-inflammatory) |
|---|---|
| Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), levalbuterol (Xopenex) | Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol), Brovana, tiotropium (Spiriva) |
| Use: acute shortness of breath / attack, right now | Use: scheduled, daily — prevents attacks over time |
| Onset: minutes | Onset: hours to days for full effect |