Bacitracin is classified as what type of medicine?

Bacitracin is classified as an antibiotic because it is a substance that inhibits the growth of or kills bacteria. Specifically, it is effective against gram-positive bacteria and is commonly used topically to treat infections as well as in some cases of bacterial infections. Antibiotics like bacitracin work by interfering with the synthesis of cell walls in bacteria, which is a critical component of their survival and replication. This classification is significant in medicine as it helps in selecting the appropriate treatment for bacterial infections, distinguishing it from medications that treat viral or fungal infections.