Difference Between Antiseptic And Antibiotic

Difference Between Antiseptic And Antibiotic: Most of the time, people consider Antiseptic and antibiotics as synonyms since they both are used to prevent infection, but there is a difference between them. Antiseptics are the first aid regimen prescribed to the individual who got a cut or a wound to reduce the chances of infection. Still, they can not be used to treat an already infected part of the body, whereas antibiotics are prescribed to reduce the bacteria load when the individual has an infection.

What is Antiseptic?

Antiseptic is a substance that is used to kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms, especially bacteria, on living tissues or surfaces. Antiseptics are commonly used in medical and hygiene settings to reduce the risk of infection and to promote wound healing. Here are some key points about antiseptics:

• Antiseptics are different from disinfectants, which are used to kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms on inanimate objects.
• Antiseptics can be classified into several categories, including alcohols, iodine-based antiseptics, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, and silver-based antiseptics.
• Antiseptics work by disrupting the cell membranes or metabolic processes of microorganisms, leading to their death or inhibition of growth.
• Antiseptics are commonly used in wound care, surgical procedures, and medical devices to reduce the risk of infection and to promote healing.
• Antiseptics can have side effects such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, or toxicity if used in excessive amounts.
• Antiseptics should be used according to the instructions and guidelines provided by healthcare professionals or manufacturers to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
• Antiseptics are also used in personal hygiene products, such as soaps and hand sanitizers, to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases.

Examples of Some Common Antiseptics:

Several types of antiseptics are available in the market; some can be used at home but are prescribed to use by the permission of a clinician or hospital (under the guidance of doctors). Following are some common types of antiseptics:

• Alcohol-based antiseptics: for example- isopropyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol. (Note: isopropyl alcohol has a tremendous antibacterial activity, but it has been seen as highly flammable and associated with fires in operating rooms. )
• Quaternary ammonium-based compound. 
• Chlorhexidine is a widely used antiseptic and is used as a handwash, and oral product, and used before operations. 
• Permanganate and peroxide: These compounds are used as a disinfect for the skin or to use as a mouthwash 

Common Uses of Antiseptics:

The following are common uses of antiseptics: 

• It is used to prevent infection on the skin, especially for cuts, and burns to reduce the chances of infections. 
• Most healthcare workers use it as a dry hand wash before the procedures are conducted for the treatment. 
• They can also be used to treat mouth infections. 
• They come under the prescribed procedure of blood swabs, surgery, etc. 

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are a type of medication that is used to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria, which can cause various illnesses, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections. Here are some key points about antibiotics:

• Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold or flu. They only work against bacterial infections.
• There are several classes of antibiotics, including penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones, each with a different mechanism of action and spectrum of activity.
• Antibiotics are available in different forms, including pills, capsules, liquids, and injections.
• Antibiotics should be taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider, for the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve, to ensure that all bacteria are eliminated and to prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Examples of Some Common Antibiotics

Following are some antibiotics used in day-to-day life:

• Penicillin-based antibiotics: Penicillin was the first antibiotic introduced in the year 1928; now, more than 100 penicillin-derived antibiotics are available in the market, e.g. Amoxicillin, ampicillin, etc.
• Fluoroquinolones-based antibiotics:  These are used as an alternative for people who have allergies to the other antibiotics and are used to treat skin infections, UTIs, and eye infections, e.g.  Levofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin. 

Common Uses of Antibiotics

Following are the common uses of Antibiotics:

• Antibiotics can be used to reduce fungal or bacterial skin infections, and some penicillin-derived antibiotics are prescribed. 
• Antibiotics can be used as oral medicines, for example, ampicillin, doxycycline, cephalexin, skin infections, etc. 

	Antiseptic	Antibiotic
1.	They are effective against wide range of bacteria, e.g. bacteria, and fungi.	Oral antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial and viral infections, whereas for skin-infections, some antibiotics can target fungal infections also.
2.	They inhibit microbial growth by stopping or slowing down the growth.	They inhibit the crucially important metabolic pathways of bacteria, for example DNA, RNA, and Protein synthesis, which ultimately kills the bacteria.
3.	They are prescribed to apply ectopically.	They can be used ectopically or orally as well.
4.	They can dry the skin or even kill the skin cells, so it is always advised to use these substances sparingly.	Nowadays, most microorganisms get resistant to many antibiotics; therefore, it is advisable to use them with clinicians’ prescription.
5.	They have lesser side effects as compared to antibiotics	Most antibiotics carry lots of side effects.
6.	Examples: Isopropyl alcohol, Chlorhexidine, Permanganate, etc.	Examples: Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Levofloxacin, etc.

FAQs on the Difference Between Antiseptic and Antibiotic

Q1. Which one is Better Antiseptic or Antibiotic?

Answer:

Antiseptics and antibiotics both are the anti-microbial agents but antiseptics works in a broad range manner whereas the antibiotics works specifically against bacteria. 

Q2. Do Antibiotics can be used to clean a Wound?

Answer:

Yes, we can use some of the antibiotics to clean the wound for example: Bacitracin, Neosporin, Polysporin. 

Q3. Does Antiseptic use have Side-Effects? 

Answer:

Excessive use of antiseptics can result in drying skin, or even kill cells.