Antibiotics

Antibiotics are powerful medications that are used to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

Types of Antibiotics

There are several classes of antibiotics, including:

1. Penicillins: These antibiotics, such as amoxicillin and ampicillin, work by interfering with the formation of bacterial cell walls.
2. Cephalosporins: Drugs like cephalexin and cefaclor also target bacterial cell wall synthesis.
3. Macrolides: Erythromycin and azithromycin are examples of macrolide antibiotics that inhibit bacterial protein synthesis.
4. Fluoroquinolones: Ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin belong to this class, which interferes with bacterial DNA synthesis.
5. Tetracyclines: These antibiotics, including doxycycline and tetracycline, inhibit protein synthesis in bacteria.
6. Sulfonamides: Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim are examples of antibiotics that block the production of folic acid in bacteria.
7. Others: There are also other classes of antibiotics such as aminoglycosides, carbapenems, and vancomycin.

How Antibiotics Work

Antibiotics work in different ways to fight bacterial infections. They may:

• Kill bacteria directly by disrupting their cell walls or interfering with essential processes like protein or DNA synthesis.
• Prevent the bacteria from multiplying, giving the body's immune system a chance to fight off the infection.

Usage and Resistance

Antibiotics should be used only when prescribed by a healthcare professional. Overuse or misuse of antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance, making the drugs less effective in the long run.

Study Guide

Key Points to Remember

• Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
• There are different classes of antibiotics, each with its own mechanism of action.
• Overuse or misuse of antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance.

Review Questions

1. What are antibiotics and how do they work?
2. Name three classes of antibiotics and describe their mechanisms of action.
3. Why is it important to use antibiotics only as prescribed?