What do antibiotics do?

i.) Antibiotics, also known as antibacterials, are types of medications that destroy or slow down the growth of bacteria. ii.) Antibiotics target microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and parasites. However, they are not effective against viruses. If you have an infection it is important to know whether it is caused by bacteria or a virus. iii.) If antibiotics are overused or used incorrectly there is a risk that the bacteria will become resistant - the antibiotic becomes less effective against that type of bacterium. iv.) A broad-spectrum antibiotic can be used to treat a wide range of infections. A narrow-spectrum antibiotic is only effective against a few types of bacteria. v.) There are antibiotics that attack aerobic bacteria, while others work against anaerobic bacteria. Aerobic bacteria need oxygen, while anaerobic bacteria don't. vi.) Antibiotics may be given beforehand, to prevent infection, as might be the case before surgery. This is called 'prophylactic' use of antibiotics. They are commonly used before bowel and orthopedic surgery. read less