Broad Spectrum Antibiotics : Uses, Advantages & Disadvantages

BROAD SPECTRUM ANTIBIOTICS

BROAD SPECTRUM ANTIBIOTICS

INTRODUCTION:

A chemical substance produced by a microorganism, which has the capacity to inhibit the growth of or to kill other microorganisms is called as an antibiotic.

An antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of infectious microorganisms which includes both gram positive and gram negative bacteria is called as a Broad spectrum antibiotic.

USES OF BROAD SPECTRUM ANTIBIOTICS:

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are properly used in the following medical situations:

Empirically prior to identifying the causative bacteria when there is a wide differential and potentially serious illness would result in delay of treatment. This occurs, for example, in meningitis, where the patient can become so ill that he/she could die within hours if broad-spectrum antibiotics are not initiated.
For drug resistant bacteria that do not respond to other, more narrow spectrum antibiotics.
In super-infections where there are multiple types of bacteria causing illness, thus warranting either a broad-spectrum antibiotic or combination antibiotic therapy.

ADVANTAGES OF BROAD SPECTRUM ANTIBIOTICS:

Broader Spectra of Activity
A clear advantage to the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics is that there is less of a need (as compared with narrow-spectrum antibiotics) to identify the infecting pathogen with real certainty before commencing treatment.

DISADVANTAGES OF BROAD SPECTRUM ANTIBIOTICS:

Children who receive broad-spectrum antibiotics during their first year of life are at increased risk of developing childhood asthma.
Broad Spectrum antibiotics may give rise to drug resistance.

BROAD SPECTRUM ANTIBIOTICS:

Amoxicillin
Levofloxacin
Gatifloxacillin
Streptomycin
Tetracycline
Chloramphenicol

SRS PRODUCTS ON BROAD SPECTRUM ANTIBIOTICS:

Active Ingrediant	Form	Strength	Pack Type	Packing Style
Amoxicillin + Bromhexine	Capsules	250mg + 4mg , 500mg + 8mg	Blister	10's
Amoxicillin	Suspension	125mg	Bottle	60ml, 100ml
Amoxicillin	Capsules	250mg,500mg	Blister	10's
Amoxicillin + Clavulanate Potassium	Tablets	250mg + 125mg, 500mg + 125mg, 875mg + 125mg	Blister	10's, 6's
Amoxicillin + Clavulanate Potassium	Injection	1g + 200mg	Vial	20ml Vial
Amoxicillin + Clavulanate Potassium	Dry Powder Suspension	250mg + 62.5mg	Sachet	10's
Amoxicillin + Cloxacillin	Capsules	250mg + 250mg	Blister	10's
Chloramphenicol	Ophthalmic Solution	1%	Bottle	5ml
Chloramphenicol	Injection	1g	Vial	20ml Vial
Ciprofloxacin	Tablet	250mg, 500mg	Blister	10's
Ciprofloxacin	LVP	100 mg/ml	FFS Bottle	100ml
Ciprofloxacin	Ophthalmic Solution	0.30%	Bottle	5ml
Ciprofloxacin + Dexamethasone	Ophthalmic Solution	0.3% + 0.1%	Bottle	5ml
Ciprofloxacin + Tinidazole	Tablets	500mg + 600mg	Blister	10's
Gatifloxacin	Tablets	200mg, 400mg	Blister	10's
Gatifloxacin	Ophthalmic Solution	0.30%	Bottle	5ml
Gatifloxacin + Dexamethasone	Ophthalmic Solution	0.3% + 0.1%	Bottle	5ml
Levofloxacin	Ophthalmic Solution	0.50%	Bottle	5ml
Levofloxacin	Tablets	250mg, 500mg	Blister	10's

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Important: The drug information on this Web page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of the above mentioned drug.