How "normal" medications pave the way for pathogens Unexpectedly common side effect: Not only antibiotics, but also a surprisingly large number of other classes of active ingredients weaken our intestinal flora and thus the natural protective function of the intestine. As a result, pathogenic bacteria such as salmonella can more easily colonize there, as researchers report in "Nature." These side effects of common medications have so far been overlooked, but should be taken i