Antibiotics Broad Spectrum vs Narrow Spectrum

Two Groups of antibiotics An antibiotic may be classified basically as "narrow- spectrum" or "broad-spectrum" depending on the range of bacterial types that it affects.

Narrow spectrum Antibiotics Narrow-spectrum antibiotics are active against a selected group of bacterial types.

AdvantagesDisadvantages The narrow spectrum antibiotic will cause less resistance of the bacteria as it will deal with only specific bacteria. Narrow spectrum antibiotics can be used only if the causative organism is identified. If you don't choose the drug very carefully, the drug may not actually kill the microorganism causing the infection.

Broad spectrum Antibiotics Broad-spectrum antibiotics are active against a wider number of bacterial types and, thus, may be used to treat a variety of infectious diseases

USES OF BROAD SPECTRUM ANTIBIOTICS: Broad-spectrum antibiotics are properly used in the following medical situations: Prior to identifying the bacteria that is causing an illness when there is 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.

Broader Spectra of Activity A clear advantage to the use of broad- spectrum antibiotics is that there is less of a need to identify the infecting pathogen with real certainty before beginning treatment. 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. AdvantagesDisadvantages