Answer: Antibiotics are chemicals which, in low concentrations, can selectively kill or inhibit the growth of most pathogenic bacteria and are not harmful to humans.
Explanation:
Neosporin is a type of antibiotics which is used for the treatment or prevention of mild superficial infections. It consists of three active component, hence the name Triple antibiotic ointment. These active components, their mode of action and side effects include:
--> NEOMYCIN : This is one of the active components of Neosporin which inhibits the protein synthesis of an invading pathogenic bacteria through irreversible binding to the 30 S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria. Their MODE OF ACTION is bactericidal meaning that the effect it has on the protein synthesis inhibits it's growth leading to the death of the bacteria.
SIDE EFFECTS: it can cause irritation, burning, itching, rash redness when applied topically.
--> POLYMYXIN: This is one of the active components of neosporin which attacks the invading pathogenic gram negative bacteria. In its mode of action, is the ability to combine with and disorganise structures of the bacterial cell which are responsible for the maintenance of the osmotic equilibrium of the cell thereby exposing the underlying peptidoglycan layer to lysozyme.
SIDE EFFECTS: Burning, redness, or irritation of the skin may occur.
--> BACITRACIN: This is also one of the active components of Neosporin. In its mode of action, it inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. This is achieved by preventing the final dephosphorylation step in the phospholipid carrier cycle, which interferes with the mucopeptide transfer to the growing cell wall.
SIDE EFFECTS: it may cause rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat).
These three active components of Neosporin are combined to broaden the antibacterial spectrum. This means that at least one of the active components will effectively kill an invading pathogenic bacteria through its unique mode of action.
