What are antimicrobial drugs?
“Antimicrobial drugs” includes all drugs that work against a variety of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Antimicrobial drugs that work specifically against bacteria are called “antibacterial drugs” or “antibiotics.” In the draft guidance, the broader term “antimicrobial drugs” is used interchangeably with the terms “antibacterial drugs” and “antibiotics.” • What are medically important antimicrobial drugs? “Medically important antimicrobial drugs” are antimicrobial drugs that are important for treating infectious diseases in people, particularly infections caused by bacteria. • What is judicious use? Judicious use is using an antimicrobial drug only when necessary and appropriate. • What is antimicrobial resistance? Antimicrobial resistance is when bacteria are no longer susceptible to an antimicrobial drug, meaning that the drug, and similar drugs, will no longer work against those bacteria. Antimicrobial resistance occurs after bacteria are exposed to
