Semisynthetic antimicrobial

Definition

Semisynthetic antimicrobials are chemically modified derivatives of natural antibiotics. These modifications enhance their efficacy, spectrum of activity, or stability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Semisynthetic antimicrobials are created by altering the chemical structure of naturally occurring antibiotics.
2. These modifications aim to improve the antibiotic's effectiveness against resistant bacteria.
3. Examples include amoxicillin (a derivative of penicillin) and doxycycline (derived from tetracycline).
4. Semisynthetic antimicrobials often have broader spectra of activity compared to their natural counterparts.
5. They were developed to overcome limitations such as rapid degradation or poor absorption of natural antibiotics.

Review Questions

• What is a semisynthetic antimicrobial?
• Name two examples of semisynthetic antimicrobials and their natural counterparts.
• Why are semisynthetic antimicrobials developed?

Related terms

Antibiotic: A substance produced by microorganisms that inhibits or kills other microorganisms.

Broad-spectrum antibiotic: An antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Antimicrobial resistance: The ability of a microbe to withstand the effects of an antimicrobial drug that once could successfully treat the microbe.