Antibiotics are drugs that inhibit or abolish the growth of bacteria. They are not active against viruses which cause diseases such as flu, common cold and acute bronchitis. These viral infections usually resolve spontaneously and do not require antibiotic treatment.
The first antibiotic, penicillin, was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928.
There are two types of antibiotics:
- Narrow spectrum antibiotics
These are active against specific sorts of bacteria. They are prescribed when it is known which bacterium is causing the infection. Importantly, these are less active against ‘good’ (useful) or harmless bacteria than broad-spectrum antibiotics.
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics
These are active against more sorts of bacteria. They are used in case it is unclear which bacteria are causing the infection or when it is caused by different sorts of bacteria. Unfortunately, they will also kill more of the ‘good’ (useful) or harmless bacteria than narrow spectrum antibiotics.
Both types of antibiotics can cause side effects, such as allergic reactions, diarrhea, or stomach ache.
|
DISCOVER ANTIBIOTICS 
website hosted by 
© ESAC. 2001-2010