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Anti-infective Agents

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Antibacterial Agents - Bug Busters

ClassMoASpectrumUsesAEs (Ophth/Sys)
FQsDNA gyrase inh.Broad G+/G-Conj/Keratitis, surg. proph.Cipro ppts, tendinopathy (sys) 📌Tendons groan
AGs30S ribo. inh.G- (Pseudo)Conj/Keratitis (fort. Tobra 9-14 mg/mL)Corneal tox, ototoxicity (sys)
Macrolides50S ribo. inh.G+, Chlam.Bleph/Conj (Azithro, Erythro)Irritation
Tetracyclines30S ribo. inh.Broad, ChlamBleph (Doxy), trachomaPhotosens., teeth (kids <8)
Chloramph.50S ribo. inh.BroadConj/KeratitisAplastic anemia (sys), optic neuritis
SulfonamidesFolate inh.G+/G-, ChlamConj. (Sulfacetamide)SJS, allergy
Polymyxin BCell memb. disrupt.G- (Pseudo)Combo: Conj/KeratitisIrritation
BacitracinCell wall inh.G+Oint: Bleph/Conj (combo)Allergic contact derm.

Antifungal Agents - Fungal Foes

ClassExamples (Dose)MoASpectrumKey Ophthalmic UsesRoutes
PolyenesNatamycin (5% susp), Amphotericin B (topical 0.1-0.5%)Binds ergosterol → pore formationBroad (Filamentous > Yeasts)Fungal keratitis, endophthalmitisTop, IC, IVit, Systemic
AzolesVoriconazole (topical 1%), Fluconazole, KetoconazoleInhibits ergosterol synthesisBroad (Yeasts & Molds)Fungal keratitis, endophthalmitisTop, Systemic, IVit
EchinocandinsCaspofunginInhibits $\beta$-(1,3)-D-glucan synthesisCandida, AspergillusSevere/resistant keratitisSystemic, IVit (off-label)

Antiviral Agents - Viral Vanquishers

Virus GroupDrugs (Examples)Mechanism (Simplified)Key Ophthalmic UsesKey Side Effects (Notable)
HSV, VZVTrifluridine, Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Famciclovir, Ganciclovir (topical/systemic/intravitreal implant)Inhibit viral DNA synthesis/polymeraseHerpetic keratitis, uveitis, ARN, PORNCorneal toxicity (Trifluridine), Nephrotoxicity (Acyclovir), Myelosuppression (Ganciclovir)
CMVGanciclovir (systemic/intravitreal implant 1 µg/hr), Valganciclovir, Foscarnet, CidofovirInhibit viral DNA polymerase (Ganciclovir, Cidofovir); Direct polymerase inhibition (Foscarnet)CMV retinitisMyelosuppression (Ganciclovir/Valganciclovir), Nephrotoxicity (Foscarnet, Cidofovir)

Antiparasitic & Antiseptic Agents - Tiny Terrors Tackled

  • Antiparasitics:
    • Acanthamoeba keratitis: PHMB 0.02-0.06%, Chlorhexidine 0.02-0.2% (membrane disruption); Propamidine 0.1% (DNA inhibition); Miltefosine (oral, resistant).
    • Toxoplasmosis (systemic): Pyrimethamine, Sulfadiazine, Clindamycin.
  • Antiseptics:
    • Povidone-iodine (free iodine): Skin prep 5-10%; Conjunctival irrigation 0.5-1.25%; Neonatal prophylaxis 2.5%.

⭐ Acanthamoeba keratitis: often prolonged, requires combination therapy (biguanide e.g., PHMB/Chlorhexidine + diamidine e.g., Propamidine).

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Bacterial Keratitis: Treat with fortified cefazolin + tobramycin.
  • Fungal Keratitis: Natamycin for Fusarium; Amphotericin B for Candida. Voriconazole is an alternative.
  • Herpetic Keratitis: Use topical ganciclovir/trifluridine. Oral acyclovir for HZO or prophylaxis.
  • Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Requires PHMB/Chlorhexidine; treatment is often prolonged.
  • Endophthalmitis: Administer intravitreal vancomycin + ceftazidime/amikacin.
  • Trachoma: Managed with systemic azithromycin (SAFE strategy).
  • Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Topical fluoroquinolones or polymyxin B-trimethoprim are common choices.

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