GPhC Pre-Reg Exam Preparation Specialists
Infections are not only caused by bacteria – which is probably the first thing many think of when they hear the word “infection”. In fact, infections can be caused by a range of microorganisms, hence will need to be treated by different types of drugs. The main components of this part of the GPhC exam will include the following drug groups: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiprotozoal (i.e. used to treat “tropical infections” such as Malaria), and anthelmintics (i.e. to treat Helminth infections that are caused by parasitic worms).
Some of the common infections that may appear in the exam (but of course are not limited to) include: candidiasis, Helicobacter pylori, acne, cellulitis, Herpesvirus, Malaria, urine tract infections, sexually transmitted infections/diseases.
In comparison to the other groups in this section, antibacterial therapy predominates in Chapter 5 of the British National Formulary (BNF) with the largest range of drug classes. Some drug classes i.e. penicillins, macrolides, and cephalosporins, will commonly appear in your everyday work. On the other hand, a drug like Gentamicin which is classed as an aminoglycoside is usually a treatment option for more severe cases.
Techniques, Tutorials & Past Pre-Reg Exam Questions With Example Answers
One to One Support With A Pre-Reg Exam Preparation Specialist. Optimise Your Preparation & Success Rate.
Tips, Techniques & Insight from GPhC Specialists & Past Successful Applicants
Tailor and optimise your GPhC Exam Preparation with our 1-1 Specialists or prepare in your own time with our GPhC Pre-Reg Exam Online Course & Question Bank
In general, antibiotics are classed as a high-risk topic in the GPhC exam and infection is also categorised as a high-weighted segment. The following example indicates a tetracycline that may require monitoring of certain parameters if a patient is taking the drug for a period of longer than 6 months.
TETRACYCLINE: MINOCYCLINE | |||
Drug action | What is it used for? | Cautions & Monitoring | (Very) common side effects |
· Binds to 30S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria. · Inhibits protein synthesis of bacteria thus, usually bacteriostatic. | · Acne · Susceptible infections (i.e. chlamydia, gonorrhoea, pelvic inflammatory disease, rickettsia, mycoplasma) | · Myasthenia gravis · Systemic lupus erythematosus · Hepatoxicity · Pigmentation | · Angioedema · Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea · Headache · Hypersensitivity reaction i.e. rash, exfoliative dermatitis · Pericarditis · Photosensitivity reactions · Exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus |
Written by Fatima Sazzad, GPhC Reg No. 2212805
