An antibiotic such as penicillin that is taken orally is soon excreted in the urine. Since infections last for a short period of time, what is the best strategy for overcoming this continual loss?
A) Provide another oral medication that stops cellular metabolism.
B) Provide a medication that prevents the filtration of all metabolites in the kidney.
C) Take a much larger single dose of penicillin.
D) Take continual doses of penicillin sufficient to maintain it in the bloodstream.
E) Provide a medication that prevents all reabsorption in the kidneys.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Continual doses of penicillin sufficient to maintain it in the bloodstream would be the best strategy to overcome the continual loss through urine excretion. This would allow for a consistent concentration of the antibiotic in the bloodstream to fight the infection, rather than relying on a single large dose or attempting to prevent kidney filtration or reabsorption. Providing another medication that stops cellular metabolism or prevents filtration or reabsorption would not be effective in maintaining a sufficient concentration of penicillin in the bloodstream.

An Antibiotic Such as Penicillin That Is Taken Orally Is