Penicillin Antibiotics - Uses and Side Effects

Penicillin is a group of antibiotics derived from Penicillium fungi. It is commonly used to treat bacterial infections.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available by prescription at pharmacies.
Applicable for
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

Penicillin FAQ


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What is penicillin used for?

Penicillin is an antibiotic used to treat certain types of bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, meningitis, or strep throat. There are different types of penicillin with different mechanisms of action. All forms are derived, at least in part, from the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum. Penicillin may be administered by mouth or by injection.

Is Penicillium an antibiotic?

Other minor active components of Penicillium include penicillin O, penicillin U1, and penicillin U6. Other named constituents of natural Penicillium, such as penicillin A, were subsequently found not to have antibiotic activity and are not chemically related to antibiotic penicillins.

Where did penicillin come from?

Penicillin was initially extracted from the species of the mold called Penicillium notatum. A mutant of a related mold, Penicillium chrysogenum, was later found to give the highest yield of penicillin and was subsequently used for the commercial production of this antibiotic.

What are the different types of penicillin?

Penicillin is a class of antibiotic medications. Penicillins treat bacterial infections like strep throat, ear infections and urinary tract infections. They work by attaching to and damaging the cell walls of bacteria. Types of penicillin include penicillin V, penicillin G, amoxicillin and ampicillin. What is penicillin?

What are penicillins used for?

Penicillins are a group of antibiotics used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. They are derived from fungi, and their medical properties were discovered in 1928. Now, these drugs can be taken orally or via injection. We explore uses, side effects, risks, and resistance.

What is penicillin V?

Penicillins are a group of antibiotics that fight bacteria and was originally developed from the Penicillium fungi. Penicillin V is one type of penicillin antibiotic and is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections such as ear infections, throat infections, skin infections and preventing rheumatic fever.

What is a penicillin fungi?

Penicillins are a group of antibacterial drugs that attack a wide range of bacteria. They were the first drugs of this type that doctors used. These drugs have saved millions of lives. Penicillium fungi are the source of penicillin, which people can take orally or via injection.

Penicillin References

If you want to know more about Penicillin, consider exploring links below:

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