Final answer:
Antibiotics are drugs used to combat bacterial infections by targeting specific parts of the bacterial cell, with a preference for narrow-spectrum antibiotics to reduce resistance. Proper prescription based on susceptibility tests and completion of the full course of treatment is crucial in fighting bacteria effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antibiotics are the type of drug that should be used to help fight bacterial infections. These drugs are designed to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria by targeting specific parts of the bacterial cell such as the cell wall, DNA replication processes, or protein synthesis. Antimicrobial drugs can be categorized as either bacteriostatic, which stop bacteria from multiplying, or bactericidal, which directly kill bacteria.
When it comes to treating infections, it is often best to use narrow-spectrum antibiotics first, as these are effective against a specific type of bacteria and help reduce the development of antibiotic resistance. However, the choice of antibiotics may depend on the stage of the infection. For example, amoxicillin and doxycycline are effective during the early stages, while penicillin G, chloramphenicol, or ceftriaxone may be administered intravenously in later stages.
The continued use and overuse of antibiotics can lead to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, also known as superbugs. To minimize this risk, medical professionals prescribe the most effective antibiotic based on pathogen susceptibility tests and emphasize the importance of completing the full course of prescribed antibiotics to ensure the elimination of the bacteria.