Final answer:
An ideal antibiotic has 1) broad-spectrum activity, low toxicity to host cells, excellent tissue penetration, minimal resistance development, and availability in multiple forms of administration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of an ideal antibiotic include broad-spectrum activity against various pathogens, low toxicity to host cells, excellent tissue penetration, minimal resistance development, and availability in multiple routes of administration. These characteristics ensure that the drug can effectively target a wide range of bacteria, whilst causing the least amount of harm to the human body, reaching the infection site efficiently, and reducing the chances of the bacteria developing resistance to the medication. Additionally, being available in various forms of administration like oral, intravenous, or topical gives flexibility in treatment, catering to different scenarios and patient needs.