Antimicrobials

Concentration-dependent killing with a post-antibiotic effect, allowing once daily dosing

A memory aid for the safe use of gentamicin.

Cell wall, protein synthesis, nucleic acid and folate synthesis

A memory aid for the targets of the antibiotic classes.

Surgical, medical and post-exposure indications

A memory aid for when antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated.

Enzymatic destruction, target alteration, reduced entry and efflux

A memory aid for how bacteria become resistant.

Susceptible, intermediate or resistant, defined against a breakpoint

A memory aid for reading a sensitivity report and the resistance mechanisms behind it.

Each class has a signature adverse effect

A memory aid for the characteristic toxicity of each antibiotic class.

Gram positive, Gram negative, anaerobic and atypical cover

A memory aid for which antibiotics cover which organisms.

Antifungals target ergosterol or the cell wall; antivirals target viral enzymes

A memory aid for the targets of antifungal and antiviral drugs.

Start Smart Then Focus

A mnemonic for the principles of responsible antibiotic prescribing.

RIPE: Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol

A mnemonic for the first line antituberculous drugs and their toxicity.

All inhibit cell wall synthesis, differing in spectrum and stability

A memory aid for the penicillins, cephalosporins and carbapenems.

Site predicts organism, and organism predicts the antibiotic

A memory aid for first line antibiotics by infection site.

Distinguish true IgE-mediated allergy from intolerance or a non-allergic rash

A memory aid for evaluating a reported penicillin allergy.

Smear, culture and NAAT for active disease; Mantoux and IGRA for latent

A memory aid for the tests used in latent and active tuberculosis.

Live attenuated give strong lasting immunity; inactivated are safer but need boosters

A memory aid for the types of vaccine and their properties.