| drug | Penicillin |
| name | Penicillin |
| classification | Antibiotic (Beta-lactam) |
| pharmacokinetics | Penicillins exhibit variable oral absorption, influenced by food. Distribution is widespread, reaching high concentrations in target tissues. Renal excretion is common, but specific routes and rates depend on the penicillin type. Some undergo hepatic metabolism, and elimination half-lives vary substantially. |
| suggested dosage | Dosage is tailored to the specific penicillin, infection, and patient factors (renal function, age). A healthcare professional must determine appropriate dosage and administration route (oral, intravenous, intramuscular). |
| indications | | 1 | Streptococcal infections | | 2 | Staphylococcal infections | | 3 | Pneumonia | | 4 | Gonorrhea | | 5 | Syphilis | | 6 | Other bacterial infections (respiratory, urinary, skin) |
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| safety in pregnancy | Generally considered safe, but careful consideration and monitoring by healthcare providers is necessary, especially for specific penicillin types or conditions. Consult your doctor. |
| safety in breastfeeding | Generally considered safe. Low amounts are excreted in breast milk, usually not posing significant risk to the infant. Consult your doctor. |
| side effects | | 1 | | type | Common | | effects | | 1 | Allergic reactions (skin rashes, hives, itching, difficulty breathing) | | 2 | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain |
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| | 2 | | type | Less Common, Potentially Serious | | effects | | 1 | Anaphylaxis | | 2 | Stevens-Johnson Syndrome | | 3 | Other severe allergic reactions |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Known penicillin allergy | | 2 | Severe renal impairment (requiring dosage adjustments) |
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| interactions | May interact with other medications, including anticoagulants and some antibiotics. Consult your doctor. |
| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Bacterial resistance is a concern; susceptibility testing is important. | | 2 | Use only when clinically indicated for bacterial infection. | | 3 | Promptly address allergic reactions. |
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| additional information | Available in various forms (oral tablets, intravenous solutions, injectables). Always consult a healthcare professional for appropriate prescription, dosage, and duration of treatment. |
| patient details | |
