Why Would Antimicrobials That Have Toxic Side Effects Be Used

question 42

Multiple Choice

Why would antimicrobials that have toxic side effects be used at all? (select the BEST reason)

• A) We want the largest possible number of choices of drugs in case a microbe shows resistance. With more possible weapons (even toxic ones), we have greater ability to eliminate infections.
• B) Every person is different.  What is toxic to one person may not be toxic to another person. To eliminate a useful drug because it's toxic to 1% of people treated is a waste.
• C) Depending on the location of the infection, we may have no choice but to utilize a drug that has some toxic side effects to the patient.
• D) They shouldn't be used. We have enough of a selection of drugs that we can always select a drug with no toxicity. Drugs with toxicity are simply leftovers from a time when we didn't have as many drug options.
• E) These are all reasons to use antimicrobials that have a low therapeutic index.

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