Antibiotics

Antibiotics , also called antibacterials, are a type of antimicrobial drug used in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections.

They may either kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. A limited number of antibiotics also possess antiprotozoal activity.

Antibiotics are not effective against viruses such as the common cold or influenza; drugs which inhibit viruses are termed antiviral drugs or antivirals rather than antibiotics.