Anti-infectives are medications used to prevent or treat infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
They are essential in fighting infectious diseases, which can affect any part of the body — from the lungs to the skin, blood, or gastrointestinal system.
🧫 Main Classes of Anti-Infectives
💊 Type
⚡ Target Organism
📋 Examples
🦠 Antibiotics
Bacteria
Amoxicillin, Azithromycin
🦠 Antimycobacterials
TB-causing bacteria
Rifampicin, Isoniazid
🦠 Antifungals
Fungi
Fluconazole, Clotrimazole
🦟 Antiparasitics
Parasites (worms, protozoa)
Albendazole, Metronidazole
🦠 Antivirals
Viruses
Acyclovir, Oseltamivir
🧬 Antiretrovirals
HIV virus
Zidovudine, Tenofovir
🔍 How Anti-Infectives Work
🔧 Mechanism
🧠 Description
🛠️ Cell wall disruption
Breaks bacterial cell walls (e.g., penicillins)
⛔ Enzyme inhibition
Stops vital microbial enzymes from working
🧬 DNA/RNA interference
Blocks reproduction of pathogens
🚫 Protein synthesis block
Prevents microbes from making essential proteins
📉 Viral entry/replication stop
Prevents viruses from multiplying in host cells
⚠️ Infectious Diseases Treated
🎯 Condition
💥 Likely Treated With
💉 Bacterial infections
Antibiotics
🧪 Tuberculosis (TB)
Antimycobacterials
🌾 Fungal infections
Antifungals
🦟 Malaria, Worms
Antiparasitics
🤧 Flu, COVID-19, Herpes
Antivirals
🧬 HIV/AIDS
Antiretrovirals
🚨 Important Considerations
💊 Use full prescribed course – don’t stop early
🦠 Avoid misuse – Improper use leads to resistance
🧫 Antibiotics don’t work on viruses (e.g., for colds or flu)
🧬 Drug resistance is rising – only use when necessary
🧪 Monitor for side effects: nausea, rashes, allergic reactions
