How do antibiotics work to kill bacteria?
Medically reviewed by drugclasses.com. Last updated on April 1, 2024.
Antibiotics work by interfering with the bacterial cell wall to prevent growth and replication of the bacteria. Human cells do not have cell walls, but many types of bacteria do, and so antibiotics can target bacteria without harming human cells.
Antibiotics are either bactericidal (they kill the bacteria) or bacteriostatic (they keep the bacteria from reproducing and growing).
Antibiotics have no action on viruses that are the cause of the common cold, the flu, and many coughs, so they are not effective against these types of illnesses.
Read next
Should you take probiotics with antibiotics?
There is controversy about whether you should routinely take probiotics with antibiotics and the question cannot be answered with a straight yes or no. Evidence for taking probiotics with antibiotics includes a Cochrane review which reported that children who were given a course of probiotics after antibiotics had less diarrhea. Evidence against taking probiotics with antibiotics includes a 2019 Italian study that reported that the gut microbiome of people given probiotics after antibiotics took six months to return to its normal state compared to only three weeks for those not given any probiotics. More studies are needed before a definite statement can be made. Continue reading
Can you drink alcohol with amoxicillin?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking the antibiotic amoxicillin. The alcohol will not stop amoxicillin from working. However, many health professionals will recommend you avoid alcohol to give your body the best chance possible to fight the infection. Moderation is key. Continue reading
Does azithromycin cure chlamydia: How much / how long?
A single dose of azithromycin 1 gram orally will cure genital chlamydia according to the CDC Guidelines for Sexually Transmitted Diseases but it will take approximately one week to work. You should not have sex during this time, otherwise you may infect your sexual partner with chlamydia. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- What is the best antibiotic to treat a sinus infection?
- Can you have a vaginal yeast infection if you have no uterus?
- Can antibiotics cause yeast infections?
- What are the common side effects of antibiotics?
- What's the difference between Bacteria and Viruses?
- Monistat-1: white discharge and burning, is this normal?
- What is the best way to reduce swelling in your face?
- If I am allergic to penicillin, is it safe to use amoxicillin?
- Amoxicillin for ear infection: Take how many times a day?
- What types of infections does Cipro treat?
- Does Flagyl treat UTI infections?
- Can Cephalexin treat an abscess in the mouth or gum infection?
- What's the normal daily dose of amoxicillin 500mg for chest infections?
- What is a normal body temperature?
- How often should I take amoxicillin for a sinus infection?
- Doxycycline for STDs
- UTI vs Bladder vs Yeast Infections - What's the difference?
- Can you drink wine while taking penicillin VK 500mg tablets?
- Can amoxicillin be used to treat a bacterial vaginitis infection?
- What is the dose of fluconazole for tinea? Is it is indicated for tinea infections?
- I got Monistat 7 for a yeast infection and after 2 days my symptoms are gone except for an itch.
- Can I use Cipro to treat a bacterial vaginitis infection?
- Pregnancy - is it safe to take ceftriaxone during pregnancy?
- How long does it take for penicillin to leave your system?
- Why is my poop green? What does this mean?
- Yeast Infections
- Sinus Infection vs Cold - What's the difference between them?
- Pinworm Infection (Enterobius vermicularis) - how long does albenza take to work?
- Can triamcinolone acetonide B be used to treat severe diaper rash on a little girl?
- How to tell if you have a sinus infection? What does it feel like?
Related support groups
- Infections (606 questions, 984 members)
- Bacterial Infection (138 questions, 277 members)