General Principles of Chemotherapy

• General Principles of Chemotherapy explain selective toxicity, drug resistance, and combination therapy in treating infections and cancer.

General Principles of Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy in pharmacology refers to the use of chemical agents to destroy or inhibit the growth of infectious organisms or cancer cells.
• In the context of antimicrobial chemotherapy, it primarily targets bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Key Concepts

1. Selective Toxicity

   • The drug should target microbes without harming the host.

2. Spectrum of Activity

   • Narrow-spectrum: Targets specific bacteria (e.g., Penicillin G).
   • Broad-spectrum: Covers a wide range (e.g., Tetracyclines).

3. Bactericidal vs. Bacteriostatic

   • Bactericidal: Kills microbes (e.g., Penicillin).
   • Bacteriostatic: Inhibits growth, aiding the immune system (e.g., Chloramphenicol).

4. Combination Therapy

   • Used for synergy, resistance prevention, or broad coverage.

5. Resistance

   • Natural: Inherent to the organism.
   • Acquired: Via mutations or gene transfer (e.g., plasmids).

6. Prophylactic vs. Therapeutic Use

   • Prophylactic: Prevents infection (e.g., before surgery).
   • Therapeutic: Treats existing infection.

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