Question

Among the following, the narrow spectrum antibiotic is :

• A. amoxycillin
• B. chloramphenicol
• C. penicillin G
• D. ampicillin

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The question asks us to identify the narrow spectrum antibiotic among the given options. Let's analyze each option:

• Amoxycillin: Amoxycillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It is effective against a wide range of gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria. Thus, it is not a narrow spectrum antibiotic.
• Chloramphenicol: This is also a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Hence, it does not fit the criteria of a narrow spectrum antibiotic.
• Penicillin G: This antibiotic is primarily effective against gram-positive bacteria and a few gram-negative bacteria. It is considered a narrow spectrum antibiotic because its bacterial activity is restricted to a more limited group of organisms.
• Ampicillin: Similar to amoxycillin, ampicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections, including both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Thus, the correct answer is penicillin G, as it has a narrow spectrum of activity compared to the other antibiotics listed here.

To identify narrow spectrum antibiotics, one must look at how selective the antibiotic is towards bacterial groups. Penicillin G is effective mainly against certain bacteria, making it an appropriate example of a narrow spectrum antibiotic.