What category of drugs is used to treat bacterial infections?

The correct category of drugs used to treat bacterial infections is antibiotics. Antibiotics are specifically designed to combat bacterial pathogens by either killing bacteria or preventing their growth and reproduction. This makes them essential in treating various bacterial infections, which, if left untreated, can lead to serious health complications.

Antineoplastics, on the other hand, are primarily used in cancer treatment, aimed at inhibiting the growth of tumors or cancer cells rather than treating infections. Analgesics are pain relief medications and do not have a direct role in managing bacterial infections. Antivirals are utilized to treat viral infections, targeting viruses rather than bacteria.

Understanding the specific actions and applications of these drug categories is crucial for effective treatment decisions in clinical practice, particularly in distinguishing between infections caused by different types of pathogens. This distinction is vital for choosing the appropriate therapeutic approach.