Antibiotic Drugs
A group of drugs used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Originally prepared from molds and fungi, antibiotic drugs are today produced synthetically. Antibiotics fight infection when the body has been invaded by harmful bacteria, or when the bacteria in the body begin to multiply uncontrollably.
Some drugs, known as broad-spectrum antibiotics, are effective against a wide range of bacteria, whereas others are useful only in treating a specific bacterium. Some of the best-known antibiotics include the macrolides (ery-thromycin and clarithromycin); the penicillins (amoxicillin, penicillin V, and oxacillin); the aminoglycosides (gentamicin and streptomycin); the cephalosporins (cefaclor and cephalexin); the quinolones (ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin); and the tetracyclines (doxycycline and oxytetracycline).
Still, these drugs can cause some side effects. Antibiotics kill bacteria, but they can also reduce the "good" bacteria naturally present in the body. When this happens, different bacteria or fungi can grow in their place, causing oral, intestinal, or vaginal candidiasis (THRUSH). Some patients are allergic to antibiotics and can develop swelling, itching, or breathing problems if they take these drugs. A severe allergic reaction to antibiotics (especially PENICILLIN) can be fatal.
