ANTIBIOTICS
I - INTRODUCTION
“The growth of microorganisms in nature might be influenced by the presence of
other microorganisms. When the influenced is unfavorable or harmful, it is known as
antibiosis. Substances produced by microorganisms that inhibit the growth of other
microorganisms at very low concentrations are called antibiotics. Antibiotics have been
put to good use controlling the activities of harmful bacteria. “
Antibiotics (From ancient Greek αντιβιοτικά, antiviotika) also called antibacterials, are a
type of antimicrobial drug used in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections.
They may either kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. A limited number of antibiotics also
possess antiprotozoal activity. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses such as the
common cold or influenza; drugs which inhibit viruses are termed antiviral drugs or
antiviral rather than antibiotics. Sometimes the term antibiotic (which means "opposing
life") is used to refer to any substance used against microbes, synonymous with
antimicrobial. Some sources distinguish between antibacterial and antibiotic;
antibacterial are used in soaps and disinfectants, while antibiotics are used as medicine.
Antibiotics revolutionized medicine in the 20th century. Together with vaccination,
antibiotics have led to the near eradication of diseases such as tuberculosis in the
developed world. However, their effectiveness and easy access have also led to their
overuse, prompting bacteria to develop resistance. This has led to widespread
problems, so much as to prompt the World Health Organization to classify antimicrobial
resistance as a "serious threat [that] is no longer a prediction for the future, it is
happening right now in every region of the world and has the potential to affect anyone,
of any age, in any country".
Before bacteria can multiply and cause symptoms, the body’s immune system can
usually kill them. Our white blood cells attack harmful bacteria and, even if symptoms do
occur, our immune system can usually cope and fight off the infection. There are
occasions, however, when it is all too much, and some help is needed; this is where
antibiotics are used.
Alexander Fleming discovered the first natural antibiotic- penicillin – in 1928. Fleming
also predicted the rise of antibiotic resistance we see today.
II – RESULTS
The first antibiotic was penicillin. Such penicillin-related antibiotics as ampicillin,
amoxicillin, and benzyl penicillin are widely used today to treat a variety of infections –
these antibiotics have been around for a long time.
Classification of antibiotics
Class (chemical Mechanism of action Examples
structure)
B-lactam antibiotics Inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis Penicillins
Penicillins Penicillin
Cephalosporins G
Carbapenems Amoxicill
in
Flucloxa
cillin
Cephalosporin
s
Cefoxitin
Cefotaxi
me
Ceftriaxo
ne
Carbapenem
Imipene
m
Macrolides Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis Erythrom
ycin
Azithrom
ycin
Clarithro
mycin
Tetracyclines Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis Tetracycl
ine
Minocycli
ne
Doxycycl
ine
Lymecycl
ine
Fluoroquinolones Inhibit bacterial DNA synthesis Norfloxa
cin
Ciproflox
acin
Enoxacin
Ofloxacin
Sulphonamides Blocks bacterial cell metabolism by Co-
inhibiting enzymes trimoxazole
Trimetho
prim
Aminoglycosides Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis Gentamic
in
Amikacin
Imidazoles Inhibit bacterial DNA synthesis Metronid
azole
Peptides Inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis Bacitraci
n
Lincosamides Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis Clindamy
cin
Lincomyc
in
Other Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis Fusidic
acid
Mupiroci
n
III- DISCUSSION
Uses of antibiotics
Antibiotics only work against infections caused by bacteria. Bacterial
infections are much less common than viral infections. Most coughs and
colds are of viral origin so antibiotics should not be prescribed for these.
Antibiotics should only use when absolutely necessary, because:
There is increasing resistance of bacteria to treatment
Resistant bacteria are selected out by the use of antibiotics
Antibiotics may have serious adverse effects in some people
Some common bacterial infections that do require antibiotic therapy
include:
Staphyloccal skin infections, eg, impetigo (school sores)
Streptococcal skin infections, eg, cellulitis
Some ear and sinus infections
'Strep throat' — sore throat caused by Streptococcus
If these infections remain untreated, the resulting disease may be serious
and even fatal.
Antibiotic resistance
Doctor responsibility Patient respons
Only prescribe antibiotics if Understand that not
bacterial infection present are
Prescribe the approved dose and bacterial and that n
duration or as recommended by experts bacterial
Educate patient about the importance infections will clear
of completing their course of antibiotics as antibiotics (eg, folliculit
instructed Take antibiotics exa
instructed
(ie, with or without f
Ensure you finish th
antibiotics
The overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to
antibiotic resistance. Bacteria that were once susceptible to
antibiotics have developed ways to survive the drugs that were
meant to kill or weaken them. This is also known as antibacterial
resistance or drug resistance. Some diseases such as
tuberculosis, gonorrhoea and childhood bacterial ear infections,
that were once easily treated with antibiotics are now again
becoming difficult to treat as bacteria have become resistant to
these drugs. About 70% of bacteria that cause infections in
hospitals are resistant to at least one of the antibiotics most
commonly used to treat infections.
Side effects of antibiotics
Antibiotics are associated with many side effects. Some side
effects are class-related but most reactions are specific to the
agent in that individual.
Some common problems with antibiotics are listed below:
Allergy to certain antibiotics or classes of antibiotics (eg,
penicillin allergy)
Many antibiotics cause gastrointestinal problems (eg,
diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea)
Antibiotics kill not only their targets but other useful
micro-organisms that live in and on our body (flora) to prevent
other diseases (eg, oral and/or vaginal thrush)
A variety of skin rashes can occur, which may be
mild (eg, hives) or devastating (eg, toxic epidermal
necrolysis).
A Patient's Guide to Proper Antibiotic Usage
Yvette C. Terrie, BSPharm, RPh
The development of antibiotic resistance is one of the most challenging
problems in health care today. It occurs when the bacteria change in a way
that reduces or stops the effectiveness of antibiotics. When this occurs, the
bacteria can survive and continue to grow and strengthen.
If you take antibiotics and really do not need them, they may lose their
strength and ability to effectively treat the bacteria. The most important way to
reduce or prevent antibiotic resistance is by educating yourself about the
proper use of antibiotics.
Steps to Reduce Antibiotic Resistance
Never insist that your doctor prescribe an antibiotic for you
Practice good hand-washing techniques to reduce your risk of getting or
spreading an infection—hands should be washed with warm water and
soap for at least 20 seconds
Never take antibiotics for viral infections
Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, drinking enough
liquids, exercising, and getting enough rest
Never take antibiotics that were prescribed for someone else
Never take antibiotics that were left over from a previous infection
If antibiotics are prescribed for you, finish them even if you feel better
Proper Use of Antibiotics
When an antibiotic is prescribed for you, you should take the following steps:
Inform your physician of any allergies you have—such as a penicillin
allergy—prior to receiving any antibiotics. Women should inform their
doctor if they are pregnant. Women also should be aware that some
antibiotics could make their birth control pills less effective or make
them more susceptible to developing a yeast infection. Your health care
provider will discuss recommendations to address these issues.
Be sure to take the complete amount of antibiotic prescribed according
to the physician's instructions. Failure to comply may result in a
reoccurrence of the bacterial infection. Know how and when to take your
antibiotic.
Ask your pharmacist about potential side effects, and contact your
physician immediately if serious reactions occur.
If you miss a dose, do not double the next dose. Simply resume with the
next scheduled dose as directed.
Because some foods and alcohol may interact badly with antibiotics,
discuss with your pharmacist whether you should take antibiotics on an
empty or full stomach.
Make sure that antibiotics are stored properly. Although most may be
stored at room temperature in a dry place, some require refrigeration.
IV- GENERALIZATION
Antibiotics can be very powerful in treating bacterial infections when
they are used properly. To maintain their effectiveness, they should be used
only when necessary. The best way to combat infections is to educate
yourself and those around you on the proper way to treat infections without
causing harm or making things worse.
V- RESOURCES
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antibiotics
http://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2004/2004-12/2004-
12-4835
https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/antibiotics/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23723195
