Syllabus · Historical · V4 (2023) · Microbiology
T2 · Antimicrobial Pharmacology
T2.ii · Antimicrobial Pharmacology
Describe the classification and pharmacology of antiviral and antifungal agents.
Written examination
SAQ history
Antifungals — Fluconazole & Amphotericin
2 exam appearances
Fluconazole, amphotericin and caspofungin are anti-fungal drugs. (a) For each drug listed above, outline the following: (i) the class (15% of marks). (ii) the mechanism of action (45% of marks). (iii) TWO microbes against which they are active (30% of marks). (marks in each section are equally distributed between the 3 drugs listed) (b) List TWO serious side effects seen with ANY anti-fungal drug, include the agent most associated with each effect listed in your answer (10% of marks).
65%
Antimicrobials — Penicillin vs Fluconazole
1 exam appearance
Compare and contrast the mechanism of action, spectrum of activity and adverse effects of benzyl penicillin and fluconazole.
8%
Antivirals — Classification & Drugs
1 exam appearance
Outline the classification of viruses giving examples of each class (60% marks). Describe the mechanism of action of acyclovir and oseltamivir (40% marks).
10%
Oral examination
VIVA history
No mapped VIVA history for this objective.
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.