[Undesirable effects of antibiotics].

A restatement of the principal mechanisms involved in the production of unwanted side-effects to antibiotics: immediate or delayed hypersensitivity immunological reactions; tissue toxicity (renal and liver parenchyma), damage to the bone marrow and the neurosensory system; interference with metabolism and drug interactions; the development of resistant strains and the risk of secondary infection. Principal unwanted effects associated with the preparation employed, with the organ involved and with the overall physiopathological state. Certain specific side-effects occur with some antibiotic combinations and following drug interactions.