Word parts
What it means
A large group of drugs used to treat infections caused by bacteriumbak-TEER-ee-umA tiny one-celled living thing, seen only under a microscope, of which some kinds cause disease; the plural is bacteria.Full entry . They do not work against viruses such as colds and the flu. Groups include penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines and aminoglycosides; each works on certain bacteria.
For the nurse
Ask about drug allergies before the first dose and collect ordered cultures before starting. Watch for allergic reactions and diarrhea, which can mean C. difficilesee dif-uh-SEELClostridioides difficile, a spore-forming bacterium that can infect the colon (the large intestine).Full entry . Teach the client to take every dose for the full course even after feeling better.
At a glance
| Spanish | antibiótico |
|---|---|
| Also written | antibiotics, antibacterial, antibacterials |
Related terms
bacterium
A tiny one-celled living thing, seen only under a microscope, of which some kinds cause disease; the plural is bacteria.
pathogen
A germ, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite, that can cause disease.
allergy
A reaction of the immune system to a substance that is harmless to most people.
MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a staph bacterium that many common antibiotics cannot kill.