Antibiotic Dictionary Free
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Wellcome in Apps Antibiotic Dictionary
Antibiotic
is an agent that weakens or destroys bacteria; antibiotics are medically
used to treat various types of bacterial infections. The various types
of antibiotics work either by preventing an infection from growing or by
destroying an existing infection. Antibiotics are produced either from a
mold or a fungus or are produced synthetically.
Question: What are the various types of antibiotics and what do they do?
Common forms of antibiotics include aminoglycosides, macrolides, penicillins, tetracyclines, and cephalosporins.
Aminoglycosides
work by interfering with the protein formation of bacteria.
Aminoglycosides include gentamicin, amikacin, and tobramycin. Side
effects can include damage to the nerves of hearing and balance, as well
as kidney injury.
Macrolide antibiotics interfere with the
protein formation of bacteria during multiplication. Erythromycin is a
macrolide. Side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort.
Penicillins
(discovered by Sir Alexannder Fleming in 1928) work by damaging the
cell walls of the invading bacteria as the bacteria reproduce.
Penicillin G and V are widely used for streptococcal and other bacterial
infections. Broad-spectrum penicillins, such as ampicillin and
amoxicillin, are used on a variety of infections caused by gram-negative
organisms. Hypersensitivity reactions, for example, a fever or a rash,
are fairly common side effects of penicillin use. Severe allergic
reactions (anaphylaxis) rarely occur, but can be life-threatening.
Tetracyclines,
which are active against a wide range of bacteria and other organisms,
are thought to prevent production of proteins in the invading bacterial
cells. The tetracyclines include tetracycline and doxycycline. Side
effects of therapy may include gastrointestinal irritation, sensitivity
of the skin to sunlight, and liver and kidney injury. This group of
drugs should not be administered during the last four to five months of
pregnancy, nor should it be given to children before the age of eight
years. Permanent discoloration of developing teeth may result.
Cephalosporins
are relatively new antibiotics active against a wide range of bacteria.
Like penicillins, they interfere with bacterial cell wall formation. A
frequently used cephalosporin is cefaclor. Side effects include rashes
and fever. Sometimes, persons allergic to penicillins will also be
allergic to
cephalosporins
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