What is the difference between antibacterial and antimicrobial?

Antibacterial and antimicrobial are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but there is actually a subtle difference between the two. Antibacterial agents are specifically designed to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, while antimicrobial agents are effective against a wider range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

Some common antibacterial agents include:

* Penicillin

* Amoxicillin

* Erythromycin

* Tetracycline

* Ciprofloxacin

Some common antimicrobial agents include:

* Alcohol

* Bleach

* Hydrogen peroxide

* Lysol

* Quaternary ammonium compounds

It is important to note that not all antimicrobial agents are antibacterial, and not all antibacterial agents are antimicrobial. For example, alcohol is an antimicrobial agent that is effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, but it is not effective against protozoa. Similarly, tetracycline is an antibacterial agent that is effective against a wide range of bacteria, but it is not effective against viruses or fungi.

The choice of antimicrobial agent will depend on the specific type of microorganism that is causing the infection. For example, if you have a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibacterial agent such as penicillin or amoxicillin. If you have a viral infection, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral agent such as acyclovir or oseltamivir.