drugs in medicine

Drug

Any substance taken into the body that modifies or affects chemical reactions in the body.

Medicinal drugs

Drugs used to treat the symptoms or causes of a disease, such as antibiotics.

Liver

The primary site for drug metabolism in the body.

Antibiotics

Chemical substances made by certain fungi or bacteria that affect the working of bacterial cells.

Bacterial cells

Cells that antibiotics target by disrupting their structure or function or preventing reproduction.

Effectiveness of antibiotics

Antibiotics are effective against bacteria but not against viruses.

Prokaryotic cells

Bacterial cells that antibiotics specifically target, which do not generally harm animal cells.

Overuse of antibiotics

A reason for the decreasing effectiveness of commonly prescribed antibiotics.

Incomplete course

Patients failing to complete the fully prescribed course of antibiotics contributes to resistance.

Antibiotics in farming

Large scale use of antibiotics in livestock farming can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Superbugs

Bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics, with MRSA being a common example.

Preventing antibiotic resistance

Individuals can help by only taking antibiotics when essential.

Completing antibiotic courses

Ensuring the entire prescribed course of antibiotics is completed, even if feeling better, helps prevent resistance.