Set 2: Characteristics & Selection of Drugs

List 5 characteristics of an "ideal" antimicrobial drug.

• selectively toxic,

• microbicidal (“cidal”) rather than (“static”)

• remain active as long as needed

• be easy to administer

• not lead to resistance.

What does the term "selectively toxic" mean in antimicrobial therapy?

It means the drug should kill or inhibit the microbial cells without simultaneously damaging host tissues

Define the difference between narrow-spectrum and broad-spectrum drugs.

• Narrow-spectrum drugs are effective against a limited array of microbial types, while broad-spectrum drugs are effective against a wide variety.

What four factors must be considered before starting antimicrobial therapy?

1. Identify the cause of the illness/disease

2. The identity of the microorganism causing the infection

3. the susceptibility (sensitivity) of the microbe to various drugs

4. the overall medical condition/health of the patient.