South Dakota Medication Aide Practice Test

Neomycin is an antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, which is crucial for bacterial growth and reproduction. It belongs to a class of antibiotics known as aminoglycosides, which specifically target the bacterial ribosome, inhibiting the synthesis of proteins essential for the bacteria's survival. By disrupting this process, neomycin effectively prevents bacteria from producing the proteins they need, leading to their inability to grow and multiply.

In contrast, the other options listed do not primarily work through this mechanism. Amoxicillin, for instance, is a penicillin-type antibiotic that works by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in bacteria. Ciprofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone class and functions by inhibiting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, thus affecting DNA replication. Cephalexin, another beta-lactam antibiotic like amoxicillin, also functions by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Understanding the specific mechanisms of action of each antibiotic is essential for selecting the appropriate treatment for bacterial infections.