# Broad Spectrum Antibiotics --- **Broad spectrum antibiotics** are [[antibiotics]] that are used to treat a variety of bacterial [[infection|infections]], including both [[Gram positive bacteria|Gram positive]] and [[Gram negative bacteria|Gram negative]] bacteria. These *can* be harmful to us if taken for a long time because they can harm our [[normal microbiota|normal flora]]. ## Ceftriaxone **Ceftriaxone** (brand name: **Rocephin**) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic usually used to treat bacterial [[infection]] in areas like: - respiratory tract - skin - soft tissue - urinary tract **Routes** Ceftriaxone can be given IM or IV. ## Erythromycin **Erythromycin** is a broad spectrum antibiotic that is bacteriostatic, meaning it doesn't kill any bacteria, just prevents them from reproducing. It does this by disrupting the action of bacterial [[antibiotics#Prevention of Protein Synthesis|ribosomes]], so they can't repair themselves or reproduce, or do anything. **Routes** Erythromycin can be given PO, IV, topically and as eye drops. ___