Which of the following differentiates a bacteriostatic drug from a bactericidal drug?

A. Ototoxicity:

Ototoxicity refers to damage to the auditory and vestibular nerves, leading to hearing loss and balance disturbances. Gentamicin, being an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is known for its potential to cause ototoxicity. Signs and symptoms of ototoxicity include changes in hearing, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and imbalance. Ototoxicity is irreversible and can occur suddenly or gradually during gentamicin therapy. Therefore, any signs or symptoms of ototoxicity should be reported immediately to the physician for further evaluation and management.

B. Nausea:

Nausea is a common gastrointestinal side effect associated with gentamicin therapy. While it can be bothersome to the patient, nausea alone is not typically considered a severe adverse effect that requires immediate reporting to the physician. However, if nausea is severe or persistent and leads to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, it should be addressed promptly.

C. Constipation:

Constipation is another potential gastrointestinal side effect of gentamicin therapy. Like nausea, constipation alone is not typically considered a severe adverse effect that requires immediate reporting to the physician. However, if constipation is severe or persistent and leads to discomfort or bowel obstruction, it should be addressed promptly.

D. Increased urinary output:

Increased urinary output may indicate improved renal function, which can be a desired effect during gentamicin therapy. Gentamicin is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and increased urinary output may help in the elimination of the drug from the body. Therefore, increased urinary output alone is not typically considered an adverse effect that requires immediate reporting to the physician. However, if there are signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalances associated with increased urinary output, they should be addressed promptly.

A. Penicillins:

Penicillins are a class of antibiotics commonly used to treat various bacterial infections. While they are generally well-tolerated and have a low incidence of adverse effects, they are not typically associated with cartilage toxicity or tendon rupture, including the Achilles tendon.

B. Fluoroquinolones:

Fluoroquinolones are broad-spectrum antibiotics known for their effectiveness against a wide range of bacteria. However, they are associated with several significant adverse effects, including cartilage toxicity and tendon rupture. These adverse effects, particularly tendon rupture, are most commonly observed in weight-bearing tendons such as the Achilles tendon. Fluoroquinolones should be used cautiously, especially in populations at higher risk for tendon injuries.

C. Aminoglycosides:

Aminoglycosides are another class of antibiotics used to treat severe bacterial infections. While they have their own set of potential adverse effects, such as nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, they are not associated with cartilage toxicity or tendon rupture.

D. Sulfonamides:

Sulfonamides are antibiotics that inhibit bacterial growth by interfering with the synthesis of folate. While they can cause various adverse effects, including skin reactions and hematologic abnormalities, they are not associated with cartilage toxicity or tendon rupture.