Antibacterial medicines, commonly known as antibiotics, are used to treat bacterial infections by either killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth. They are crucial in managing a wide range of bacterial illnesses, such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and certain skin infections. These medications work by targeting specific bacterial functions, ensuring minimal harm to the host's cells. Appropriate usage is critical to prevent antibiotic resistance, which can emerge from overuse or misuse of these drugs.