Chapter 15 - Drugs Flashcards
What is a drug?
A drug is any substance taken into the body that modifies or affects chemical reactions in the body. Some drugs are medicinal drugs that are used to treat the symptoms or causes of a disease e.g. antibiotics. The liver is the primary site for drug metabolism.
What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are chemical substances made by certain fungi or bacteria that affect the working of bacterial cells, either by disrupting their structure or functions or by preventing them from reproducing. Antibiotics are effective against bacteria.
How does someone gain resistance to antibiotics?
Commonly prescribed antibiotics are becoming less effective due to overuse, patients failing to complete the fully prescribed course by a doctor or the large-scale use of antibiotics in farming. This can lead to the bacteria gaining a resistance to the antibiotic. These bacteria are commonly known as superbugs and the most common is MRSA.
How can you prevent antibiotic resistance?
You can prevent antibiotic resistance by only taking antibiotics when absolutely essential and ensure the entire course of prescribed antibiotics is completed.
