What is the Difference Between Antibiotics and Antibacterial?

The main difference between antibiotics and antibacterials lies in their scope and the type of microorganisms they target. Here are the key distinctions:

• Antibiotics: These are compounds that can inhibit the growth or kill microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Antibiotics are produced naturally by microorganisms and primarily target bacteria. The term "antibiotic" traditionally refers to substances produced by other microorganisms and does not include synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds, although it has come to encompass those as well.
• Antibacterials: These are drugs, chemicals, or other substances that specifically target bacteria, either by killing them (bactericidal) or stopping their growth (bacteriostatic). Antibacterials encompass not only naturally produced compounds from other microorganisms but also synthetic compounds, physical agents (such as heat or radiation), and chemical agents (e.g., alcohols and halogens).

In summary, while antibacterials specifically act on bacteria, antibiotics can target a broader range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Antibacterials are a subset of antibiotics that focus solely on bacteria.

Comparative Table: Antibiotics vs Antibacterial

The difference between antibiotics and antibacterials can be summarized in the following table:

In summary, antibiotics are a type of antibacterial medication used to treat bacterial infections, while antibacterials are a broader category of chemical substances that inhibit bacterial growth. Antibiotics can be taken orally or applied topically, and they have various mechanisms of action against bacteria.