LEVOMYCETIN Meaning and
Definition
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Levomycetin, also known as chloramphenicol, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic medication used to treat various types of infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to the class of drugs known as phenicol antibiotics.
The term "Levomycetin" originates from the Latin words "levo," meaning left, and "mycetin," referring to fungus. However, Levomycetin is primarily effective against bacteria and has limited activity against fungi.
Levomycetin works by inhibiting the synthesis of proteins in bacterial cells. It does this by binding to the bacterial ribosomes, preventing them from producing essential proteins required for bacterial growth and reproduction. This disruption in protein synthesis ultimately stops the growth of bacteria and helps the immune system to eliminate the infection.
Levomycetin is commonly prescribed for treating respiratory tract infections, typhoid fever, cholera, meningitis, urinary tract infections, and various skin and eye infections. The medication is available in various forms, including oral capsules, eye drops, ointments, and injectable formulations.
Despite its effectiveness, Levomycetin should be used judiciously due to its potential side effects and the development of antibiotic resistance. Common adverse effects associated with Levomycetin include gastrointestinal upset, bone marrow suppression, and a rare but serious condition known as aplastic anemia. Additionally, the use of Levomycetin during pregnancy and in infants is not recommended due to potential adverse effects on the developing fetus and newborn.
Common Misspellings for LEVOMYCETIN
- kevomycetin
- pevomycetin
- oevomycetin
- lwvomycetin
- lsvomycetin
- ldvomycetin
- lrvomycetin
- l4vomycetin
- l3vomycetin
- lecomycetin
- lebomycetin
- legomycetin
- lefomycetin
- levimycetin
- levkmycetin
- levlmycetin
- levpmycetin
- lev0mycetin
- lev9mycetin
- levonycetin
Etymology of LEVOMYCETIN
The word "Levomycetin" is derived from two components: "levo-" and "mycetin".
1. "Levo-" refers to the Latin word "laevo", which means "left" or "on the left side". In this context, "levo-" indicates the left-handed or S-enantiomer of a compound.
2. "Mycetin" is derived from the Greek word "mykēs" (μύκης), meaning "fungus". It is a common suffix for various antibiotic names.
Therefore, "Levomycetin" combines "levo-" with "mycetin" to describe a specific antibiotic compound with the left-handed molecular arrangement and antifungal properties.
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