List of antibiotics

Antibiotics

Antibiotics (pronounced: /æntɪbaɪˈɒtɪks/) are a type of Antimicrobial substance that can kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. The term "antibiotic" comes from the Greek words "anti" meaning "against" and "bios" meaning "life".

Types of Antibiotics

There are several types of antibiotics, each with a different mechanism of action and spectrum of activity. Some of the most common types include:

• Penicillin - This is one of the earliest discovered and widely used antibiotic agents. It is derived from the Penicillium fungi and is effective against a wide range of bacteria.

• Cephalosporins - These are a large group of antibiotics that are structurally related to the penicillins. They are classified into generations based on their spectrum of antimicrobial activity.

• Macrolides - These are a group of antibiotics whose activity stems from the presence of a macrolide ring, a large lactone ring to which one or more deoxy sugars may be attached.

• Fluoroquinolones - These are a type of antibiotic that are particularly effective against bacteria by inhibiting their DNA replication.

• Tetracyclines - These are a group of broad-spectrum antibiotics whose general usefulness has been reduced with the onset of antibiotic resistance.

Usage and Side Effects

Antibiotics are used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. However, their overuse and misuse can lead to Antibiotic resistance, a serious global health concern. Side effects can include allergic reactions, Gastrointestinal distress, and Antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

See Also

• Antimicrobial resistance
• Pharmacology
• Infectious disease

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