4.3.1.8 antibiotics and painkillers Flashcards
What are antibiotics?
Drugs that help to cure a bacterial disease by killing infective bacteria inside the body
How was penicillin formed?
From the observation of Alexander Fleming that mould produces a defence mechanism against the growth of surrounding bacteria.
Why were certain antibiotics no longer effective against bacteria?
They have often been overused - the bacteria had evolved
What is antibiotic resistance?
This is when bacteria evolves and is so no longer killed by an antibiotic
Antibiotics cannot kill _______.
Viruses
Why does antibiotic resistance occur ? ( 4 things)
The bacteria DNA mutates
The characteristics change
Bacteria is not affected by the antibiotic
Bacteria reproduces
Define antibiotic resistant strain
This is when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites have changed over time, where antibiotics no longer have an affect on them.
What are the two dangers of antibiotic résistent strains?
Contagious
Can continue multiple times to produce a super virus
What are the four ways of preventing antibiotic resistant strains?
- decrease the consumption of antibiotics
- completing full course of antibiotics
- doctors not prescribing for mild illnesses and not over prescribing
- not using in farming
Antibiotics only treat _______ infections.
Bacterial
What are the three things that can be used to relieve symptoms of viral infections?
Painkillers, steroids or anti-inflammatory medicines
What are 4 examples of painkillers
Morphine, aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen
What is the type of antibiotic you need to know about?
Penicillin
What plant did aspirin originate from?
Willow bark
What plant has sourced the drug digitalis which acts on the heart?
Foxglove plants
