Antimicrobial vs Antibiotic vs Antiseptic vs Antibacterial

Antimicrobial

An 'antimicrobial' is the broadest term referring to a substance that kills microorganisms. Antimicrobials are able to kill a variety of microorganisms including bacteria and fungi.

This is because antimicrobials address certain types of bacterial, viral and fungal infections through a variety of mechanisms.

Examples of Antimicrobials include:

• Garlic
• Wild Bee Balm
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Andrographis
• Goldenseal
• Berberis spp.
• Elecampane

Antibiotic

An 'antibiotic' is a drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms, but typically targets bacteria.

• This term usually refers to substances that are taken internally as a treatment.

Antiseptic

An 'antiseptic' is a compound that stops or slows the growth of microorganisms. The term generally refers to substances that are used topically on the body and are localized to the site of application.

• For example, an antiseptic applied to a wound or used on an injection site.
• Important to distinguish between 'antiseptics' and 'disinfectants'
  • Where antiseptics are applied to the body, disinfectants are applied to nonliving surfaces.
  • For example, in a surgical setting, a doctor may apply antiseptic to the surgical site on a person's body and use disinfectant to sterilize the operating utensils.

Antibacterial

'Antibacterial' is a general term referring to anything that kills bacteria (but not other microorganisms). All antibiotics and antiseptics are antibacterial but not necessarily the other way around. Heat can potentially have an antibacterial effect, but would not be considered an antibiotic or antiseptic substance.