Narrow vs. Broad Range Drugs Broad-spectrum drugs wipe out helpful, natural flora, which is why upset stomach, diarrhea, etc. Narrow-spectrum drugs target specific bacteria. Suprainfections are new or secondary infections that develop while treating primary infection. Suprainfections are more likely during the use of broad-spectrum drugs. Host Factors Immune System Patients with compromised immune systems are very difficult to treat.
Antibiotics help get infection to certain threshold and the immune system kicks in to help.
Immune compromised patients need to be handled differently because of the inability of the host's defenses to contribute. In order for antibiotic agents to be effective, the drug must be able to reach the site of infection. The site must be considered when deciding on methods of administering drugs. Age Younger and older patients are more vulnerable to toxicity and need to be treated differently. It is possible for patients to be or develop allergies to antibiotics.