15. Drugs

• Describe the use of antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infection

• State that some bacteria are resistant to antibiotics which reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics

• State that antibiotics kill bacteria but do not affect viruses

• Explain how development of resistant bacteria such as MRSA can be minimised, limited to using antibiotics only when essential and ensuring treatment is completed

• Explain why antibiotics kill bacteria, but do not affect viruses

• Describe the effects of excessive alcohol consumption and abuse of heroin, limited to:

– powerful depressant drugs

– effect on reaction times and self-control

– addiction and withdrawal symptoms

– negative social implications, e.g. crime

• State that injecting heroin can cause infections such as HIV

• State that excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver damage

• State that tobacco smoking can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer and coronary heart disease

• Describe the effects on the gas exchange system of tobacco smoke and its major toxic components, limited to carbon monoxide, nicotine and tar

• Explain how heroin affects the nervous system, limited to its effect on the function of synapses

• Discuss the evidence for the link between smoking and lung cancer

• Discuss the use of hormones to improve sporting performance, limited to testosterone and anabolic steroids