Question
Chemistry Question on Chemistry in Everyday Life
Which one is a broad spectrum antibiotic ?
A
Chloramphenicol
B
Plasmoquin
C
Xylocane
D
Antiseptic
Answer
Chloramphenicol
Explanation
Solution
The range of bacteria or other microorganisms that are affected by a certain antibiotic is expressed as its spectrum of action. Antibiotics which kill or inhibit a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are said to be broad spectrum antibiotics. Those effective mainly against Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria are narrow spectrum antibiotics. If effective against a single organism or disease, they are referred to as limited spectrum antibiotics. Chloramphenicol, Vancomycin and ofloxacin are important broad spectrum antibiotics.