In basic pharmacology, which of the following medicines is used as an antibiotic to treat bacterial infections?

Introduction / Context:

Medicines are grouped into different categories based on the type of health problem they treat. For example, some drugs control blood sugar, some relieve pain, and others treat infections. Antibiotics are a very important group of drugs that are used specifically to treat bacterial infections. Knowing which commonly named medicines are antibiotics is essential for exam questions, safe use of medicines, and general health awareness. This question asks the learner to identify which one among the listed drugs is an antibiotic.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is limited to the five named medicines in the options.
• Only one option is a true antibiotic used against bacterial infections.
• Other options belong to different pharmacological groups, such as pain relievers or medicines for acidity or diabetes.
• We assume standard, widely accepted clinical use of these medicines.

Concept / Approach:

An antibiotic is a drug that either kills bacteria or stops their growth. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic commonly used to treat infections of the respiratory tract, ear, skin, and some sexually transmitted infections. Metformin is an oral hypoglycaemic agent used for diabetes, Ibuprofen is a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug that relieves pain and inflammation, Ranitidine has been used to reduce stomach acid, and Paracetamol is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic for pain and fever. By matching each drug name with its major use, we can identify which one functions as an antibiotic.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Recall the definition of an antibiotic as a drug used to treat bacterial infections. Step 2: Match each option with its common clinical use: Metformin for diabetes, Ibuprofen for pain, Ranitidine for acidity, Paracetamol for pain and fever. Step 3: Recognise that Azithromycin is well known as a macrolide antibiotic. Step 4: Confirm that Azithromycin is prescribed for bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and some ear and throat infections. Step 5: Conclude that Azithromycin is the only option that correctly fits the definition of an antibiotic in this list.

Verification / Alternative check:

Pharmacology references and medicine guides describe Azithromycin as a broad spectrum antibiotic with activity against many gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Patient information leaflets specifically mention its use for infections caused by bacteria and warn that it should not be used for viral infections like the common cold. In contrast, information sheets for Metformin focus on blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes, Ibuprofen on pain and inflammation, Ranitidine on reduction of gastric acid, and Paracetamol on relief of mild to moderate pain and fever. These independent descriptions confirm that Azithromycin alone is an antibiotic here.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option A, Metformin, is an antidiabetic drug that helps control blood glucose levels and is not used to kill bacteria. Option B, Ibuprofen, is a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation, not a drug against microbes. Option D, Ranitidine, is mainly used to decrease stomach acid production and is classified as an H2 receptor blocker. Option E, Paracetamol, is an analgesic and antipyretic that relieves pain and lowers fever but has no antibacterial action.

Common Pitfalls:

Students sometimes assume that any strong medicine, especially one that might be taken during illness, is an antibiotic, and may confuse painkillers or antacids with drugs that fight infections. Another common mistake is to pick a familiar drug name rather than the correct class. To avoid such errors, learners should remember at least a few typical antibiotics such as Azithromycin, Amoxicillin, and Ciprofloxacin and clearly distinguish them from medicines used for diabetes, acidity, or routine pain relief.

Final Answer:

The drug used as an antibiotic among the given options is Azithromycin.