Mechanism of Action of Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used against infections caused by bacteria. The first antibiotic that could be used externally by human (Penicillin) was discovered in 1928 by Alexander Flemming. Bacteria are responsible for causing many life threatening diseases. These include tuberculosis, syphilis salmonella and some forms of meningitis.

The causative bacteria multiply in our body. The white blood cells of the immune system multiply to defend the body against these bacteria. The increased number so this WBCs represent present to infection in body. The bacteria usually are able to destroy the immune system and this is where the antibiotics need to be given.

There are many types of antibiotics. Chiefly, they have two types of mechanism of action. Antibiotics either function as bacteriostatic or as bactericidal. As bacteriostatic they stop the bacterium from multiplying further by interfering with their DNA. But they do not kill the bacteria. As bactericidal, they kill the bacterias. Penicillin is a bactericidal antibiotic.

Antibiotics are used in many ways in medicinal world. Antibiotic may also be given in order to prevent infection. These are also used as prophylactic agents in orthopedic surgeries. Apart from the life-saving benefits of antibiotics there are some significant side effects.

Common side effects which can be ignored include feeling of uneasiness and minor diarrhea. There is occasional nausea. Infection may appear in vagina, digestive tract and mouth.

Apart from these there are some rare side effects which may lead to death if ignored. Consumption of sulphonamides may lead to formation of kidney stones. Cephalosporin may cause abnormal clotting of blood. Tetracycline can make the body more sensitive towards sun. Blood disorders may occur due to consumption of Trimethoprim. The severity of antibiotics is such that it may cause deafness. Amino glycosides and Erythromycin cause deafness in some patients.

The cases of side effects are more common in elderly patients. They may even experience minor clitoris (inflamed bowels).