Antimicrobial drugs are

Options

A. Antibiotics
B. Antiseptics
C. Disinfectants
D. All the above

Answer

### Step-by-Step Text Solution:

1. **Definition of Antimicrobial Drugs**: Antimicrobial drugs are substances that inhibit the growth of or kill microorganisms. The prefix "anti" means against, indicating that these drugs work to oppose the growth of microbes.

2. **Types of Microorganisms**: Microorganisms include various types such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and protozoa. These organisms are often too small to be seen with the naked eye.

3. **Function of Antimicrobial Drugs**: These drugs are used to treat infections caused by these microorganisms. They help in healing the body by fighting against the infections.

4. **Categories of Antimicrobial Drugs**:
- **Antibiotics**: These are used specifically to treat infections caused by bacteria. They work by killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth.
- **Antiseptics**: These are applied to living tissues (like cuts or wounds) to prevent infection by killing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.
- **Disinfectants**: These are used on non-living objects (like surgical instruments) to kill microorganisms and prevent the spread of infection.

5. **Conclusion**: All of these substances—antibiotics, antiseptics, and disinfectants—are considered antimicrobial drugs as they all serve the purpose of combating microorganisms and preventing infections.

6. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question "What are antimicrobial drugs?" is that they encompass antibiotics, antiseptics, and disinfectants, which means the answer is "all of the above."