Steroids vs. Antibiotics — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on November 10, 2023
Steroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce swelling and pain, while antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections.
Difference Between Steroids and Antibiotics
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Steroids are a class of organic compounds that share a specific molecular structure; they are known to play roles in vital processes in the human body. Antibiotics, conversely, are drugs specifically designed to combat or prevent bacterial infections.
Steroids can be naturally occurring or synthetic and are used in medicine to treat conditions like arthritis, asthma, and autoimmune diseases. Antibiotics target and kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, ensuring they do not reproduce and spread.
Steroids work by reducing inflammation, suppressing the immune system, and altering the body's response to certain triggers. Antibiotics operate by either killing bacteria directly or by preventing them from multiplying, depending on the type.
Overuse or misuse of steroids can lead to side effects like weight gain, high blood pressure, and mood swings. In contrast, the overuse or misuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, where bacteria evolve and become immune to the effects of the drug.
While both steroids and antibiotics have therapeutic uses, it's vital to take them as prescribed. Steroids can be crucial for managing chronic conditions, whereas antibiotics are lifesavers against bacterial infections.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Reducing inflammation and suppressing immune responses
Fighting bacterial infections
Origin
Naturally occurring or synthetic
Derived from microorganisms or synthesized
Mechanism of Action
Alter the body's immune response, reduce inflammation
Kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria
Common Side Effects from Misuse
Weight gain, high blood pressure, mood swings
Antibiotic resistance, digestive issues
Examples
Prednisone, cortisone
Penicillin, amoxicillin
Compare with Definitions
Steroids
Medications used to reduce inflammation and pain.
The doctor prescribed steroids to alleviate the patient's arthritis symptoms.
Antibiotics
Drugs that either kill bacteria or inhibit their growth.
Certain antibiotics stop bacteria from reproducing.
Steroids
Hormones produced by the adrenal glands.
Cortisol, a stress hormone, is a type of steroid.
Antibiotics
Drugs that require a prescription in many countries.
Over-the-counter sales of antibiotics are restricted to prevent misuse.
Steroids
Drugs that can suppress the immune system.
After the transplant, the patient was given steroids to prevent organ rejection.
Antibiotics
Medicines that can lead to resistance if misused.
Overuse of antibiotics can make bacteria resistant, rendering the drugs ineffective.
Steroids
Organic compounds with a specific molecular structure.
Cholesterol is a naturally occurring steroid in the body.
Antibiotics
Medications designed to combat bacterial infections.
The doctor prescribed antibiotics for the strep throat.
Steroids
Substances used by athletes to boost performance (illegal and risky).
The athlete was disqualified for using anabolic steroids.
Antibiotics
Medications derived from certain microorganisms.
Penicillin, one of the first antibiotics, was derived from a fungus.
Steroids
Any of numerous fat-soluble organic compounds that have a core structure of 17 carbon atoms arranged in four rings, found naturally in animals, plants, and fungi, or produced synthetically. Steroids include the sterols (such as cholesterol), sex hormones (such as estrogen and testosterone), corticosteroid hormones (such as cortisol), bile acids, and anabolic steroids.
Antibiotics
A substance, such as penicillin or erythromycin, produced by or derived from certain microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria, that can destroy or inhibit the growth of other microorganisms, especially bacteria. Antibiotics are widely used in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
Steroids
(Informal) An anabolic steroid.
Antibiotics
Of or relating to antibiotics.
Steroids
Plural of steroid
Antibiotics
Of or relating to antibiosis.
Antibiotics
Destroying life or preventing the inception or continuance of life.
Antibiotics
Plural of antibiotic
Common Curiosities
What is a common side effect of steroid misuse?
Common side effects of steroid misuse include weight gain, high blood pressure, and mood swings.
Are all steroids used for medical purposes?
No, some steroids, like anabolic steroids, are misused for performance enhancement and are illegal in many sports.
Can steroids be used for conditions like asthma?
Yes, steroids are often prescribed to manage conditions like asthma.
What are steroids primarily used for?
Steroids are primarily used to reduce inflammation and suppress immune responses.
What are antibiotics designed to do?
Antibiotics are designed to combat or prevent bacterial infections.
Are steroids naturally occurring substances?
Yes, steroids can be naturally occurring or synthetically produced.
Can overuse of antibiotics lead to resistance?
Yes, misuse or overuse of antibiotics can result in bacteria becoming resistant.
Are antibiotics effective against viruses?
No, antibiotics are specifically for bacterial infections and are not effective against viruses.
Should one always complete an antibiotic course?
Yes, it's essential to complete an antibiotic course to prevent bacterial resistance.
How do antibiotics primarily work against bacteria?
Antibiotics work by either killing bacteria directly or inhibiting their growth.
Why might a patient be given steroids after an organ transplant?
Steroids can suppress the immune system, preventing organ rejection.
Can athletes legally use steroids to enhance performance?
No, the use of anabolic steroids for performance enhancement is illegal in many sports and can lead to disqualification.
Is it safe to consume alcohol while on antibiotics?
It depends on the antibiotic. Some can interact with alcohol, so it's best to consult with a healthcare professional.
Can steroids and antibiotics be taken together?
It depends on the specific medications and the patient's condition. Always consult a healthcare professional.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
