Antibiotics: Types, Mechanisms, and Resistance

What are Antibiotics?

• Antibiotics are medicines that inhibit or kill the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
• They are used to treat bacterial infections, not viral infections.

Types of Antibiotics

• Bactericidal: Kill bacteria directly, e.g. penicillin and ampicillin.
• Bacteriostatic: Inhibit bacterial growth, e.g. tetracycline and erythromycin.
• Broad-spectrum: Effective against a wide range of bacteria, e.g. amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin.
• Narrow-spectrum: Effective against a specific type of bacteria, e.g. vancomycin and metronidazole.

Mechanisms of Action

• Interference with cell wall formation: Beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillin, inhibit the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall.
• Inhibition of protein synthesis: Antibiotics like tetracycline and erythromycin bind to the bacterial ribosome, preventing protein synthesis.
• Inhibition of DNA replication: Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin inhibit the replication of bacterial DNA.

Antibiotic Resistance

• Definition: The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of antibiotics.
• Causes: Overuse and misuse of antibiotics, genetic mutation, and transfer of resistant genes between bacteria.
• Consequences: Reduced effectiveness of antibiotics, increased risk of infection, and increased healthcare costs.

Antibiotic Use and Misuse

• Appropriate use: Use antibiotics only when necessary, as prescribed by a healthcare professional, and complete the full course of treatment.
• Inappropriate use: Using antibiotics for viral infections, not completing the full course of treatment, and sharing antibiotics with others.

Side Effects and Allergic Reactions

• Common side effects: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions.
• Allergic reactions: Rashes, hives, and anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening reaction).
• Special considerations: Pregnant women, children, and people with certain medical conditions may require alternative antibiotics or special precautions.

Learn about the different types of antibiotics, how they work, and the growing concern of antibiotic resistance. Understand the appropriate use and misuse of antibiotics, and the potential side effects and allergic reactions.