Bacteriostatic agent

Depending on their application, bacteriostatic antibiotics, disinfectants, antiseptics and preservatives can be distinguished.

When bacteriostatic antimicrobials are used, the duration of therapy must be sufficient to allow host defense mechanisms to eradicate the bacteria.

Upon removal of the bacteriostat, the bacteria usually start to grow rapidly.

Bacteriostats commonly used in laboratory work include sodium azide (which is acutely toxic) and thiomersal.

[citation needed] Bacteriostatic antibiotics limit the growth of bacteria by interfering with bacterial protein production, DNA replication, or other aspects of bacterial cellular metabolism.