Any substance taken into the body that modifies or affects chemicalreactions in the body
Medicinal drug
Used to treat the symptoms or causes of a disease, e.g. antibiotics
Liver
The primary site for drug metabolism
Antibiotic
Chemical substances made by certain fungi or bacteria that affect the working of bacterial cells, either by disrupting their structure or function or by preventing them from reproducing
Antibiotics are effective against bacteria but not against viruses
Antibiotics target processes and structures that are specific to bacterial (prokaryotic) cells; as such they do not generally harm animal cells
How antibiotics work
1. Disrupting bacterial cell structure or function
2. Preventing bacterial cell reproduction
Reasons for antibiotic resistance
Overuse and being prescribed when notreallynecessary
Patients failingtocomplete the fully prescribed course
Largescale use of antibiotics in farming to prevent disease when livestock are kept in close quarters, even when animals are not actually sick
Superbugs
Bacteria that have become resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics, the most common is MRSA
Ways individuals can help prevent antibiotic resistance
Only taking antibiotics when absolutely essential
Ensuring the entire course of antibiotics is completed even if you feel better after a few days
