What would be the result of using a drug with a narrow spectrum of activity?

Prepare for the Penn Foster Veterinary Pharmacology Exam. Get ready for your exam with interactive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations to help you succeed!

Using a drug with a narrow spectrum of activity means that the drug is specifically effective against a limited range of pathogens, often targeting particular types of bacteria or even individual species. This specificity is crucial in clinical settings because it allows for targeted treatment of infections with minimal disruption to the body's normal flora.

When a narrow-spectrum antibiotic is chosen, it will typically be effective against specific strains of bacteria that have been identified as the causative agents of an infection, rather than having a generalized effect on all bacteria. This focused action reduces the likelihood of developing resistance in non-target bacteria and preserves the beneficial microorganisms in the body, which can be affected by broader-spectrum medications. Thus, the result of employing a narrow-spectrum antibiotic is effective management of infections caused by specific types of bacteria.

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