Final answer:
The antibacterial spectrum refers to the range of bacteria susceptible to an antibacterial drug, with broad-spectrum drugs targeting a wide variety and risking superinfections. Numerous factors including drug classification, spectrum, dosage, side effects, and interactions inform the selection of appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antibacterial Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum Drugs
The term antibacterial spectrum refers to the range of bacteria that an antibacterial drug can target. This spectrum can be narrow, meaning the drug targets only specific types of bacteria, or broad, which indicates the capability to affect a wide variety of bacterial pathogens. Broad-spectrum drugs are used when the exact type of bacterial infection has not been identified, when the infection is severe and immediate treatment is necessary, or during the treatment of mixed infections with multiple bacterial species. However, the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can lead to an increased risk of developing superinfections, as these drugs also disturb the normal microbiota, allowing for drug-resistant pathogens to proliferate.
When selecting an antibacterial drug, several factors need to be considered including whether it is bacteriostatic or bactericidal, its spectrum of activity, dosage and route of administration, potential side effects, and drug interactions. Dosage and administration route are important to ensure proper levels of the drug are present to treat the infection effectively while minimizing toxic effects to the patient.