PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (PTCE)MedicationsEasy
A pharmacy technician is receiving a new prescription for a patient diagnosed with a bacterial infection. The prescription is for 'Amoxicillin 500 mg, take 1 capsule by mouth three times daily for 10 days.' Which of the following drug classes does amoxicillin belong to?
- AAntiviral
- BAntifungal
- CAntibiotic
- DAntiparasitic
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Antibiotic
Amoxicillin is a penicillin-class antibiotic commonly prescribed to treat various bacterial infections. Recognizing common drug classes is a fundamental skill for pharmacy technicians.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Antivirals treat viral infections, not bacterial.
- B. Antifungals treat fungal infections, not bacterial.
- D. Antiparasitics treat parasitic infections, not bacterial.
Antibiotic
A type of antimicrobial substance active against bacteria; it is the most important type of antibacterial agent for fighting bacterial infections.
- Treats bacterial infections
- Can be broad-spectrum or narrow-spectrum
- Common side effects include GI upset and allergic reactions
Memory trick: An A+ student Knows Their Drugs.