Antibiotic medications are used to treat bacterial infections by either killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth. They vary in spectrum, formulation, and mechanism of action, and are prescribed based on the type and severity of infection, as well as patient-specific factors.

Common antibiotics include penicillin derivatives like amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox), often combined with clavulanic acid in formulations like Co-Amoxiclav and Augmentin to overcome bacterial resistance. Cephalosporins, such as Keflex, Cefadroxil, Ceftin, and Suprax, are widely used for respiratory, urinary, and skin infections, with later generations like Cefixime and Cefpodoxime offering broader gram-negative coverage.