Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause infections. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections such as the common cold or flu.

There are many different types of antibiotics, each with its own mechanism of action and spectrum of activity. Some antibiotics are broad-spectrum, meaning they are effective against a wide range of bacteria, while others are narrow-spectrum, meaning they are only effective against specific types of bacteria.

Antibiotics are typically prescribed by a healthcare provider for the treatment of bacterial infections such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia. It is important to take antibiotics exactly as prescribed, and to finish the entire course of treatment even if symptoms improve, in order to ensure that all of the bacteria are eliminated and to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.

While antibiotics can be very effective in treating bacterial infections, they can also have side effects. Common side effects of antibiotics may include nausea, diarrhea, and yeast infections. In rare cases, antibiotics may cause more serious side effects such as allergic reactions or damage to the liver or kidneys.

Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem that occurs when bacteria develop the ability to resist the effects of antibiotics. This can happen when antibiotics are overused or misused, and can make it more difficult to treat bacterial infections in the future. To help prevent antibiotic resistance, it is important to only use antibiotics when they are needed, to take them exactly as prescribed, and to practice good hygiene and infection prevention measures.