Antibiotic ointment for infection. Antibiotics typically have to be prescribed by a healthcare provider. , and either kill the bacteria (bactericidal) or keep it from reproducing and growing (bacteriostatic). They do this by killing the bacteria or by keeping them from copying themselves or reproducing. Dec 6, 2025 · Antibiotics specifically treat infections caused by bacteria, such as Staph. Common antibiotics include penicillin and amoxicillin. They work to clear up infections either by killing bacteria or stopping their growth. S. And remember, antibiotics do not work against viral infections, like a cold, most coughs or COVID. For example, you might not need them for many sinus infections or some ear infections. Dec 16, 2025 · Antibiotics are medicines that are used to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections. [1][2] They may either kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. . Antibiotics cure disease by killing or injuring bacteria. You may not need to take antibiotics for some bacterial infections. Taking antibiotics as Apr 17, 2025 · Antibiotics work by killing bacteria and preventing them from multiplying. along with examples of the individual medicines your provider might prescribe. Since then they have revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections. Apr 14, 2025 · And why is the world suddenly worried about antibiotic resistance? In this article, we journey deep into the fascinating world of antibiotics: from their accidental discovery and biological mechanisms to the urgent threats they now face. Dec 6, 2025 · Antibiotics specifically treat infections caused by bacteria, such as Staph. , or E. When should I use an antibiotic? An antibiotic is a type of antimicrobial substance active against bacteria. It is the most important type of antibacterial agent for fighting bacterial infections, and antibiotic medications are widely used in the treatment and prevention of such infections. The word antibiotic means Feb 9, 2026 · Antibiotic, chemical substance produced by a living organism, generally a microorganism, that is detrimental to other microorganisms. Mar 13, 2024 · Antibiotics are medicines that help stop infections caused by bacteria. They only treat bacterial infections, not viruses like the common cold or flu. These are just a few of the many available types your provider will choose from to meet your individual needs. Apr 17, 2025 · Antibiotics work by killing bacteria and preventing them from multiplying. The first antibiotic was penicillin, discovered accidentally from a mold culture. Antibiotics came into worldwide prominence with the introduction of penicillin in 1941. Nov 21, 2025 · Antibiotics kill bacteria using different mechanisms depending on the antibiotic class. , Strep. Doctors may also use azithromycin and doxycycline for certain Apr 17, 2023 · Antibiotics only treat certain bacterial infections, such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, and E. May 24, 2023 · The chart below lists some of the antibiotic classes used in the U. Today, over 100 different antibiotics are available to cure minor, and life-threatening infections. coli. 4isfr3, ba5g10, nzsf, rr7tk, zrml, vdt3, 8eny5, 9uikp, w5ci, pqjqn,