Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections by either killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth. They are ineffective against viral infections. Common types include:

Penicillins : Such as amoxicillin, which interfere with bacterial cell wall synthesis.
Cephalosporins : Like cephalexin, they also target bacterial cell walls.
Macrolides : Including azithromycin, which inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria.
Fluoroquinolones : Such as levofloxacin, which interfere with bacterial DNA replication.
Tetracyclines : Like doxycycline, they also inhibit bacterial protein synthesis.
Sulfonamides : Such as sulfamethoxazole, which compete with bacterial folate synthesis.
The choice of antibiotic depends on the specific bacterial infection, its location, and the patient’s medical history, requiring guidance from a healthcare provider to ensure appropriate and effective treatment.