Antibiotics: An Essential Guide
Antibiotics are a class of medications used to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth. Antibiotics can be broad-spectrum, affecting a wide range of bacteria, or narrow-spectrum, targeting specific types. Common antibiotics include penicillin, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin. While antibiotics have revolutionized medicine, their overuse and misuse have led to antibiotic resistance, making some bacterial infections harder to treat. It is crucial to use antibiotics only when prescribed by a healthcare professional and to complete the entire course to ensure effectiveness and reduce the risk of resistance.