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Antibiotics

antimicrobial substance; antibacterials used in medicine

gram positive and negative bacteria (broad spectrum antibiotics)

antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a big issue

The emergence of antibiotic resistance (AR) has prompted restrictions on their use in the UK in 1970 (Swann report 1969), and the European Union has banned the use of antibiotics as growth-promotional agents since 2003

usually naturally produced by one microorganism fighting another, but synthetic is fine

  • amoxicillin - most common
  • penicillin (Alexander Fleming, 1928)
  • tetracycline
  • mouldy bread
  • prontosil (1932, no longer used)

Treatment and prevention of bacterial infections such as;

  • pneumonia - treatment
  • cancer patients - preventative
  • those with a weakened immune system - preventative
  • those undergoing surgery - preventative
  • dental surgery - preventative

Not;

  • antiviral
  • antifungal

Side Effects

  • diarrhea
  • thrush
  • may impact birth control (the pill)

Alcohol

  • Antibiotics such as metronidazole, tinidazole, cephamandole, latamoxef, cefoperazone, cefmenoxime, and furazolidone, cause a disulfiram-like chemical reaction with alcohol by inhibiting its breakdown by acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, which may result in vomiting, nausea, and shortness of breath
  • The efficacy of doxycycline and erythromycin succinate may be reduced by alcohol consumption

Further Information

  • ancient Sudanese societies as early as 350–550 CE were systematically consuming antibiotics as part of their diet

References

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Last Updated: 2026-02-10