What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are a type of antimicrobial used to treat infections caused by bacteria. There are two main ways by which antibiotics work to target infection-causing bacteria. They may either inhibit the growth and replication of the bacteria or they may kill the bacteria outright by interfering with the construction of the bacterial cell wall. Some antibiotics are highly specialized and are effective only against certain bacteria. Others are broad-spectrum antibiotics, which are effective against a wide range of bacteria. 

Antibiotics, also known as antibacterials, can only be used to treat bacterial infections such as strep throat, urinary tract infections. They are ineffective against viral infections such as flu, colds, and runny noses. 

There are hundreds of different types of antibiotics. They are grouped together based on how they work. Some of the most common classes of antibiotics include Penicillins, Tetracyclines, Cephalosporins, Fluoroquinolones, and Aminoglycosides. 

Antibiotics can either be taken orally or injected into the body.