What is the Difference Between Antibiotic and Antimicrobial?

The main difference between antibiotics and antimicrobials lies in the scope of the organisms they target. Antibiotics are specific medicines designed to prevent and treat bacterial infections, while antimicrobials encompass a broader range of substances that act on various microbes, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. Here are some key points to consider:

Antibiotics: These are derived from molds or made synthetically and are absorbed into the body with the aim of killing bacteria (bactericidal) or preventing their multiplication (bacteriostatic). They can be given parenterally (intramuscularly, intravenously), orally, or applied topically to the skin in the form of a cream or ointment.
Antimicrobials: This term includes antibiotics, antiseptics, and antifungal agents. Antiseptics are substances applied to the skin but not absorbed, while disinfectants can destroy microorganisms, including bacteria, on non-living objects such as toilets. Antifungal agents are drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of fungi and can be given intravenously, orally, or topically.
Resistance: Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in response to the use of antibiotics, making them harder to treat than non-resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial resistance is a broader term, encompassing resistance to drugs that treat infections caused by other microbes, such as parasites, viruses, and fungi.

In summary, antibiotics are specific antimicrobials designed to target bacteria, while antimicrobials cover a broader range of substances that act on various microorganisms.