Penicillin
Uses of Penicillin
Penicillin is commonly used to treat mild to moderately severe gram positive and gram negative infections caused by penicillin sensitive organisms.
How Penicillin Works
Penicillin binds to proteins located on the inner membrane of the bacterial cell wall and inactivates these proteins resulting in weakening of the bacterial cell wall. Thus, causing lysis of infection - causing organisms.
Side Effects of Penicillin
Hypersensitive reaction including rash and exfoliative dermatitis, Nausea, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Stomatitis, Glossitis, Decrease red blood cells, Decreased white blood cells, Decreased platelet count
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
Penicillin should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Penicillin may be needed. Please consult your doctor before using it.
Alcohol Safe
It is safe to consume alcohol with Penicillin as there is no drug/alcohol interaction. However, please consult your doctor before using it.
Pregnancy Maybe Safe
Penicillin may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, however, there are limited human studies. Please consult your doctor before using it.
Driving Generally Safe
Penicillin cause minimal to no side effects which could affect your ability to concentrate and drive. Do not drive unless you are feeling well.
Liver Safe If Prescribed
Penicillin should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Penicillin may be needed. Please consult your doctor before using it.
Lactation Safe If Prescribed
Penicillin is probably safe to use during lactation. Limited human data suggests that Penicillin does not represent a significant risk to the baby, even though it is excreted into breast milk in trace quantities. Please consult your doctor before using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
