Steroids vs. Antibiotics
Key Differences
Comparison Chart
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Mode of Action
Side Effects
Metabolism
Effect of Food
Effect on Appetite
Effect on Body Weight
Therapeutic Uses
Steroids and Antibiotics Definitions
Steroids
Antibiotics
Steroids
Antibiotics
Steroids
Antibiotics
Antibiotics
Antibiotics
Steroids vs. Antibiotics
Steroids are organic compounds, while Antibiotics are organic or inorganic compounds. Steroids are used to treat inflammatory diseases like arthritis, gout, etc., on the other hand; Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. Steroids therapy does not develop resistance, while Antibiotics treatment leads to the development of resistance. Steroids are involved in muscle building, while Antibiotics are not involved in muscle building. Steroids are used in chemotherapy to assist cancer cell destruction while Antibiotics are the main part of chemotherapy to kill the cancerous cells.
What are Steroids?
Steroids are synthetic drugs and resemble in structure to cortisol, which is a hormone of adrenal glands. Steroids. Steroids have four rings which are arranged in a particular molecular configuration. Steroids have seventeen carbon atoms in their core structure. Steroid’s four fused rings contain three six-membered cyclohexane rings and one five-membered cyclopentane ring. Steroids have their own nomenclature for naming. Steroids are found in plants, animals, and fungi and are named as plants steroids, animal steroids, and fungal steroid, respectively. Steroids are also named according to their function. The major classes of steroids, according to their function are Corticosteroids, Glucocorticoids, Mineralocorticoids, and sex steroids. Steroids are also classified as Anabolic steroids and Catabolic steroids. Anabolic Steroids are natural or synthetic drugs that enhance the performance and mimic the testosterone effects. Anabolic Steroids have lethal side effects so they can be purchased only on prescription. Steroids, along with their metabolites, are important as signaling molecules. Steroids are also component of cell membrane along with phospholipids. Steroids are important for being concentrated energy stores. Steroids also play a role in malignancies especially in prostate cancer where cancer cell aggressiveness increases with the production of steroids inside and outside of the tumor. Steroids are made up of lanosterol in animals are fungi and cycloartenol in plants. Steroids are produced through steroidogenesis where steroids are produced from the cholesterol and further change into other steroids. Steroidogenesis is different in different species.
Examples
Glucocorticoids, Mineralocorticoids.
What are Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are drugs which either inhibit the growth of bacteria or kill them. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections not affect viral infections, but some Antibiotics do have antiprotozoal activity. Antibiotics nowadays are mostly synthetic. Antibiotics are prescribed based on the pathogen as definitive therapy, but when the pathogen is not identified then an empirical therapy is given, which involves the administration of the broad spectrum antibiotics. Antibiotics are given not only for the treatment of bacterial infections, but they can also be given as preventive measures when there is a weak immune system or when the patient is taking immunosuppressive drugs. Antibiotics can be given through several routes of administration. Antibiotics are mostly given through oral route, but if the patient is not able to take medicine orally, then injections of Antibiotics can also be used. Antibiotics in case of systemic infections are given only intravenously. Antibiotics are also given topically as in case of ear, eyes, and nose; this helps to prevent systemic toxicity. Antibiotics if applied topically over surgical wounds, they help to reduce the chance of infection. Antibiotics are although they are safe and well tolerated in spite of these Antibiotics are associated with a certain type of side effects. Antibiotics show side effects mostly like diarrhea and other effects like fever, nausea, and some show hypersensitivity reactions. Antibiotics also show interactions with other drugs. Antibiotics have a different type of mechanism of actions depending upon the class of Antibiotics. Antibiotics show a problem of resistance when they are used inappropriately or in case of overuse.
Examples
Aminoglycosides, Quinolones.
