Penicillins are a group of beta-lactam antibiotics originally obtained from Penicillium moulds, principally P. chrysogenum and P. rubens.
Facts
Mechanism of ActionInhibits penicillin-binding proteins, preventing cross-linking of bacterial cell wall peptidoglycans and causing cell lysis. 2 Approved UseTreats bacterial infections susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics. 2 First Approved / Isolated Year Significant RiskHypersensitivity reactions including rash and, rarely, IgE-mediated anaphylaxis; roughly ten percent of the population reports penicillin allergy. 2 Classification
ATC ClassSourced to the subject's own accountJ: Antiinfectives for Systemic Use 1 Route of Administration Route of Administration Route of Administration Connections
Associated With
Discovered By
Source Penicillin (Wikipedia)
Long-Form Articles
Treats
Source Penicillin (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFirst-level anatomical group codes, Code JQuote, First-level anatomical group codes, Code J
Antiinfectives for systemic use
2. Penicillin (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead section
beta-lactam antibiotics
Infobox, drug class
beta-lactam antibiotics
Mechanism of action section
inhibits penicillin-binding proteins
History section
1928 by Scottish physician Alexander Fleming
Adverse effects section
10% of the population claims penicillin allergies
Lead section, route-of-administration statement
A number of natural penicillins have been discovered, but only two purified compounds are in clinical use: penicillin G (intramuscular or intravenous use) and penicillin V (given by mouth).
Lead section, route-of-administration statement (intravenous)
A number of natural penicillins have been discovered, but only two purified compounds are in clinical use: penicillin G (intramuscular or intravenous use) and penicillin V (given by mouth).
Lead section, route-of-administration statement (intramuscular)
A number of natural penicillins have been discovered, but only two purified compounds are in clinical use: penicillin G (intramuscular or intravenous use) and penicillin V (given by mouth).
View the Source Frequently Asked Questions
How does penicillin kill bacteria?
It blocks cell wall cross-linking, so the bacterial cell lyses.
Penicillins are beta-lactam antibiotics. They inhibit penicillin-binding proteins, which prevents the cross-linking of bacterial cell wall peptidoglycans and causes cell lysis. The cited mechanism of action section describes this inhibition of penicillin-binding proteins.
Are many people really allergic to penicillin?
Roughly ten percent of people report a penicillin allergy.
The cited adverse effects section states that about 10% of the population claims penicillin allergies. The main adverse effects recorded for the drug are hypersensitivity reactions including rash and, rarely, IgE-mediated anaphylaxis.
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