Which antibiotic is known as first wonder drug?

Appeared in: Raj. CHO -2025

Explanation

Penicillin is famously known as the first "wonder drug" because it was the first substance discovered that could effectively kill a wide range of bacteria inside the body.
Its discovery by Alexander Fleming in 1928 and subsequent mass production in the 1940s revolutionized medicine, turning many once-fatal infections into treatable conditions.
It played a crucial role in treating wounded soldiers during World War II, dramatically reducing mortality from bacterial infections and marking the beginning of the modern antibiotic era.

Option A: Calamine is a topical lotion, typically a mixture of zinc oxide and ferric oxide, used to relieve itching and soothe minor skin irritations. It has no antibacterial effect.
Option B: Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid hormone used for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. It is not an antibiotic and does not kill bacteria.
Option D: This option is a placeholder indicating the question was not answered. It is not a valid medical or pharmacological choice.

Visual 1: Photograph - An image of a Petri dish showing the Penicillium notatum mold inhibiting bacterial growth, recreating Fleming's original observation.
Visual 2: Timeline - A timeline graphic illustrating major milestones in the history of antibiotics, starting with Penicillin's discovery.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing History of Antibiotics and Pharmacology helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding the history of antibiotics highlights their profound impact on modern medicine and underscores the critical importance of combating antibiotic resistance through stewardship.
A key nursing responsibility is to always assess for penicillin allergies before administration, as hypersensitivity reactions can range from a mild rash to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
What if? If a patient has a documented severe allergy to Penicillin, a nurse must withhold the drug and notify the prescriber. An alternative antibiotic from a different class, such as a macrolide (e.g., erythromycin) or a tetracycline, would be considered depending on the specific infection.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on the history of pharmacology.
First, identify the key phrase in the question: 'first wonder drug'.
Associate this historical nickname with the correct medication. The term 'wonder drug' was coined for the first highly effective antibiotic that transformed medicine.
Evaluate the options provided. Recognize that Calamine is a lotion and Hydrocortisone is a steroid, eliminating them as potential antibiotics.
Recall or deduce that Penicillin was the first true antibiotic discovered, making it the logical choice for the 'wonder drug' of its time.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full Raj. CHO -2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.