Q.Write notes on Antiseptics and Antibiotics.

Antiseptics are applied to living tissue to stop microbial growth; antibiotics are drugs (from microbes) that kill or inhibit disease-causing microorganisms inside the body.

Antiseptics:

• Antiseptics are chemical substances that kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms and are applied to living tissues such as skin, wounds, and cuts.
• They are not taken internally.
• Examples: dettol (a mixture of chloroxylenol and terpineol), tincture of iodine (2-3% iodine in alcohol-water), bithionol (added to soaps), and dilute boric acid solution (used as an eye antiseptic).
• A dilute solution of phenol acts as an antiseptic; low concentrations are used because concentrated phenol is corrosive.

Antibiotics:

• Antibiotics are substances produced wholly or partly by chemical synthesis, which in low concentrations inhibit the growth of, or destroy, microorganisms by intervening in their metabolic processes.
• They are used to cure diseases (taken internally). …