# Broad Spectrum Antibiotics
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**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.
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