Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics can be taken orally or applied topically to the skin. They are usually prescribed by a doctor and are available only with a prescription. Antibiotics are used to treat a variety of infections, including skin infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and stomach infections. They are not effective against viruses, such as the common cold or flu. It is very important to use antibiotics only when necessary, as overuse of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. To reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor, including completing the full course of antibiotics as directed and not sharing antibiotics with others.