Penicillins: What They Do, Medicines
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം
Penicillins are a group of antibiotics that kill bacteria by stopping them from building their cell walls. They are used to treat bacterial infections such as some throat, ear, sinus, chest, urinary, skin and dental infections, and they do not work against colds, flu or other viral infections. Examples include phenoxymethylpenicillin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, cloxacillin and benzathine penicillin. In India they are prescription medicines.
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How do Penicillins work?
Penicillins attach to penicillin-binding proteins, which bacteria use to build their cell walls, so the wall becomes weak and growing bacteria burst and die. Some bacteria resist penicillins by making enzymes called beta-lactamases that break them down. This is why some penicillins are combined with a beta-lactamase inhibitor such as clavulanic acid.
Active ingredients of this type
These active ingredients belong to Penicillins. They are listed A to Z.
- Amoxicillin: Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
Common questions
What should I know about penicillin allergy?
Penicillin allergy can cause a rash, hives, swelling or, rarely, a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. If you have ever reacted to a penicillin, tell every doctor, dentist and pharmacist, because all penicillins, including amoxicillin, should then be avoided. Some people with penicillin allergy also react to cephalosporins.
Why should I take a penicillin for as long as prescribed?
Take the antibiotic for as long as your doctor prescribes, even if you feel better sooner. Stopping early can leave some bacteria alive, so the infection may come back, and it adds to antibiotic resistance. Do not keep leftover tablets for later or share them with others.
Do penicillins help with colds or flu?
No. Colds, flu and most coughs and sore throats are caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not work against viruses. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can cause side effects such as diarrhoea and helps bacteria become resistant. A doctor decides whether an infection is bacterial.
Sources
- Penicillin. StatPearls, National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), US National Library of Medicine
- Penicillin Allergy. StatPearls, National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), US National Library of Medicine
- Antibiotics. NHS (UK)
- Co-amoxiclav: antibiotic to treat bacterial infections. NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: J01C Beta-lactam antibacterials, penicillins. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- National Formulary of India. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission