Antibiotic resistance is a global crisis — pharmacology postgraduates are expected to know not just which antibiotic works, but why, when, and at what dose.
Bactericidal vs bacteriostatic
- Bactericidal: beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, metronidazole, vancomycin
- Bacteriostatic: tetracyclines, macrolides, chloramphenicol, sulfonamides, linezolid
Time- vs concentration-dependent killing
- Time-dependent (beta-lactams): efficacy depends on time above MIC — favour frequent dosing or extended infusions
- Concentration-dependent (aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones): favour once-daily dosing for a high peak
PK/PD targets: % time above MIC (time-dependent) vs Cmax/MIC or AUC/MIC (concentration-dependent).
Stewardship
Right drug, right dose, right route, right duration — with review and de-escalation at 48–72 hours.