Antibacterials are drugs that fight bacterial infections by mechanisms including inhibition of cell wall synthesis (beta-lactams such as amoxicillin, cephalexin, ceftriaxone), blockade of protein synthesis (macrolides such as azithromycin, clarithromycin; aminoglycosides such as gentamicin, amikacin; tetracyclines such as doxycycline), inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis (fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) and inhibition of folic acid synthesis (sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim). Antibiotic therapy should be guided by culture and sensitivity testing whenever possible, respecting spectrum of activity, pharmacokinetics (tissue distribution, elimination route) and safety profile. Inappropriate use promotes bacterial resistance — one of the greatest global public health threats (WHO, 2024). (Sources: DailyMed/FDA, EMC-UK/MHRA, Health Canada)
