What term describes antibiotics that kill bacteria?

The term that describes antibiotics that kill bacteria is "bactericidal." Bactericidal antibiotics work by targeting essential processes in bacteria, such as cell wall synthesis or protein production, leading to the death of the bacterial cells. This type of antibiotic is especially effective in treating infections where immediate and total eradication of bacteria is necessary, such as in cases of severe infections.

In contrast, bacteriostatic antibiotics inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria but do not necessarily kill them outright, which is different from the action of bactericidal antibiotics. Broad spectrum refers to antibiotics that are effective against a wide range of bacteria, both gram-positive and gram-negative, but does not specify whether they are bactericidal or bacteriostatic. Antifungal medications are designed specifically to combat fungal infections, not bacterial ones, thus not applicable in the context of bacterial action.