Maybe you've had a fever, an ear infection, or a sore throat and gone to the doctor and been given a 'penicillin' type of medicine. Maybe your child has been given this medicine too. So, what is this 'penicillin' that many people in our country use? What does it actually do to our bodies? Let's talk about it all in simple terms today.
What kind of medicine is Penicillin?
Simply put, penicillin is a class of drugs called antibiotics . Antibiotics are a type of medicine that fights and destroys bacterial infections that have entered our bodies. Think of bacteria as an enemy army that has entered our bodies. Penicillin is like our army that attacks that enemy army.
There are other types of drugs that belong to this group called penicillin. All of these are commonly called 'penicillins'. These are a subgroup of the large family of antibiotics called `beta-lactams'.
We get this medicine in various ways.
- Oral form: The pills or syrups we usually use at home.
- Intravenous (IV) form: Medicine given directly into a vein by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic.
What diseases is penicillin used for?
Doctors prescribe penicillin for various infections caused by bacteria. You've probably heard of this disease before. Let's take a look at what it is.
| Infection | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Throat infections (Strep throat) | A bacterial infection that causes a sore throat and difficulty swallowing. |
| Ear infections (Otitis media) | Ear infections and earaches are common, especially in young children. |
| Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) | An infection that causes symptoms such as inflammation of the urethra and frequent urination. |
| Pneumonia | An infection that affects the lungs, causing coughing and difficulty breathing. |
| Boils and skin infections (Staph infections) | Things like skin abscesses and festering wounds. |
| Other serious infections | It is also used for conditions such as meningitis, Salmonella, syphilis, gonorrhea, and dental infections. |
Are there types of penicillin?
Yes, there are several main types of penicillin. This division is made based on how they are made and the types of bacteria they can kill.
1. Natural Penicillins
These are not man-made. They were first discovered in a type of mold found in the environment. Scientists isolate only the penicillin from that mold and make medicines. Penicillin G (given intravenously) and Penicillin V (taken orally) are examples of this type.
2. Semi-synthetic Penicillins
These are made by taking natural penicillin and modifying it in a laboratory to make it stronger and more effective against a wider range of bacteria. There are also other subtypes:
- Aminopenicillins: These are the most well-known among us. You may have heard of Amoxicillin and Ampicillin . Doctors prescribe these for many common ailments, such as ear infections and urinary tract infections.
- Penicillinase-resistant penicillins: Some bacteria produce an enzyme (penicillinase) that destroys penicillin. This type is designed to prevent that enzyme from destroying it. Medicines like `Nafcillin` and `oxacillin` belong to this group.
- Extended-spectrum penicillins: These are used to treat severe bacterial infections that are difficult to treat. `Piperacillin` is one such drug.
3. Combination Penicillins
Sometimes penicillin is given in combination with another medicine. This is because some bacteria develop defense mechanisms against penicillin. The other medicine is added to break down those defense mechanisms. You may have been given a medicine called Augmentin® (a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid). It is a combination medicine.
How does this medicine work inside the body?
It's very simple. The penicillin goes straight to the cell wall of the bacteria and attaches itself to it. Think of bacteria as a house surrounded by walls. What penicillin does is damage that wall. Just as anything can get into the house when the wall is broken, when the cell wall is damaged, the bacteria cannot survive and is destroyed.
But there is a small problem here. Over time, some bacteria have learned to resist this penicillin attack. That is, they have found ways to escape it when the medicine comes. We call this antibiotic resistance . This is a big health problem. Some types of bacteria, like `MRSA`, are resistant to many types of penicillin, making those infections very difficult to cure.
What are the possible side effects of penicillin?
Like any medicine, penicillin can cause minor side effects. However, not everyone gets them. The most common ones are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
- Change in the taste or smell of food
- Headache
These side effects are usually not serious. Taking the medicine with food can help reduce things like nausea. But if the side effects bother you, talk to your doctor .
What are the risks to be especially careful about?
There are three things we need to pay special attention to when using penicillin.
1. Allergic Reactions
This is the most serious risk. Although many people say they are allergic to penicillin, very few people actually have such an allergy. But if you do have an allergy, it can be dangerous. If you experience symptoms such as vomiting, difficulty breathing, a rash that spreads all over your body, and facial swelling , it can be a sign of a serious allergy. In such a case, go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately.
2. C. diff infection
This may seem a bit strange. When we take antibiotics, the good bacteria in our intestines can also die. This allows a bad bacteria called Clostridium difficile (C. diff) to grow out of control. This can cause severe diarrhea, severe stomach pain, and fever . This is also a serious condition. If you have severe diarrhea while taking antibiotics, see a doctor immediately.
3. Antibiotic Resistance
As I said before, this is a big problem. If we take antibiotics when they are not needed (for example, for a viral fever), or if we stop taking the medication before the doctor has prescribed it, the bacteria have a chance to develop resistance to the medication.
Very important: Even if you feel better, take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor for the full number of days. If you don't, the bacteria left in your body can become stronger and cause the infection to come back. The medicine may not work the next time.
What are the best times to see the doctor?
It is very important to inform or see your doctor in the following cases.
| Opportunity | What to do |
|---|---|
| If you have questions about how to take the medicine | Ask your doctor to confirm for sure. |
| If taking medication is difficult due to side effects | Talk to your doctor before stopping the medication. He or she will give you an alternative. |
| If you have severe diarrhea | If you have watery diarrhea several times a day or have signs of dehydration (dry lips, sunken eyes), go to the hospital immediately. |
| If allergy symptoms appear | If you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, vomiting, or facial swelling , go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. |
Take-Home Message
- Penicillin is a very important antibiotic given for bacterial infections. It does not work for viral infections (like the common cold).
- Use the exact amount of medication prescribed by your doctor for the full course of treatment. Do not stop taking the medication even if you feel better.
- If you experience any discomfort, such as nausea, while taking the medicine, take it with food. If the problem persists, tell your doctor.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or hives, go to the hospital immediately.
- Never use leftover antibiotics from a previous illness for another illness without the advice of a doctor.
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