In clinical medicine, several classes of antibiotics are classified as primarily bacteriostatic:

A (or bacteriostatic agent) is a substance that stops bacteria from reproducing without necessarily killing them. By keeping bacteria in a "stationary phase" of growth, these agents allow the host's immune system to naturally clear the remaining pathogens. 1. Key Mechanism of Action

(e.g., Doxycycline) used for acne and respiratory infections.

Bacteriostats typically interfere with the internal machinery of bacterial cells rather than destroying their physical structure.