A case to stop the use of the term 'antibiotics'

Abstract

The word 'antibiotics' is an historical, but imprecise, term. Today, 'antibiotics' are also used for other indications and 'non-antibiotics' are repurposed for infectious diseases. This situation calls for a revision of antipathogenic drug terminology. The use of correct terms will facilitate rational antipathogenic treatment and understanding of drug repurposing.

Keywords: antibacterial drugs; antibacterial stewardship; antibiotics; drug repurposing; pharmacological nomenclature; problematic terms.