The 'post-antibiotic effect' is most pronounced and clinically utilised for which class of antibiotics, allowing less frequent dosing despite short serum half-lives?
- A Beta-lactams
- B Aminoglycosides ✓
- C Macrolides
- D Azoles
Correct answer: B. Aminoglycosides
Explanation
Aminoglycosides show a prolonged post-antibiotic effect (PAE) — bacteria remain growth-suppressed for 2–4 hours after drug concentrations fall below the MIC. This PAE, combined with concentration-dependent killing (peak:MIC ratio drives efficacy), justifies once-daily dosing with high peak concentrations to maximise bactericidal effect while minimising nephrotoxicity. Beta-lactams have little to no PAE against gram-negative organisms.
Reference: KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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