Penicillins

Penicillins

Penicillins (pronounced: /ˌpɛnɪˈsɪlɪn/) are a group of antibiotics that are commonly used in the treatment of various bacterial infections. They were the first antibiotics to be discovered and have been widely used since the mid-20th century.

Etymology

The term "penicillin" comes from Penicillium, the fungus from which it was first isolated. The name Penicillium itself is derived from the Latin penicillus, meaning "paintbrush", due to the fungus's brush-like appearance under a microscope.

Types of Penicillins

There are several types of penicillins, each with its own spectrum of activity and side effects. These include:

• Penicillin G and Penicillin V: These are the original penicillins, effective against a wide range of bacteria.
• Aminopenicillins such as Amoxicillin and Ampicillin: These penicillins are effective against a wider range of bacteria than Penicillin G or V.
• Antistaphylococcal penicillins such as Methicillin and Nafcillin: These penicillins are resistant to an enzyme produced by staphylococci that can inactivate other penicillins.
• Antipseudomonal penicillins such as Piperacillin: These penicillins are effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that is often resistant to other antibiotics.

Mechanism of Action

Penicillins work by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, causing the bacteria to burst and die. They do this by binding to proteins called penicillin-binding proteins, which are involved in the final stages of cell wall synthesis.

Side Effects

Common side effects of penicillins include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reactions. In rare cases, penicillins can cause serious allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis.

Resistance

Many bacteria have developed antibiotic resistance to penicillins, often through the production of beta-lactamase enzymes that inactivate the antibiotic. This has led to the development of beta-lactamase inhibitors, such as clavulanic acid, which are often given in combination with penicillins to overcome resistance.

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Penicillins
• Wikipedia's article - Penicillins

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