penicillin V

penicillin V

n.

A semisynthetic oral penicillin compound that is very stable even in high humidity and that resists destruction by gastric juice.

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penicillin V,

a narrow spectrum bacterial antibiotic for oral administration. Also called penicillin phenoxymethyl.

indications It is prescribed for prophylaxis against rheumatic fever and in the treatment of ear, nose, throat, skin, and urinary tract infections caused by susceptible bacterial strains (primarily gram-positive bacteria).

contraindications Known hypersensitivity to this drug or to any penicillin prohibits its use.

adverse effects Among the more serious adverse effects are anaphylaxis and urticaria.

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penicillin

any of a large group of natural or semisynthetic antibacterial antibiotics derived directly or indirectly from strains of fungi of the genus Penicillium and other soil-inhabiting fungi grown on special culture media. Penicillins exert a bactericidal as well as a bacteriostatic effect on susceptible bacteria by interfering with the final stages of the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a substance in the bacterial cell wall. Despite their relatively low toxicity for the host, they are active against many bacteria, especially gram-positive pathogens (streptococci, staphylococci); clostridia; certain gram-negative forms; certain spirochetes (Treponema pallidum and T. pertenue); and certain fungi. Certain strains of some target species, for example staphylococci, secrete the enzyme penicillinase, which inactivates penicillin and confers resistance to the antibiotic. Some of the newer penicillins, for example methicillin, are more effective against penicillinase-producing organisms. An additional class of extended-spectrum penicillins has been approved for use; it includes piperacillin and mezlocillin.

There are four groups of penicillins, the natural penicillins, penicillin G and penicillin V, with a narrow spectrum of activity, mainly against gram-positive bacteria; the aminopenicillins (amoxicillin, ampicillin and hetacillin) are semisynthetic derivatives and have a broad spectrum of activity against gram-positive and many gram-negative organisms, but are susceptible to penicillinase-producing Staphylococcus spp.; penicillinase-resistant penicillins, which include cloxacillin, methicillin, nafcillin and oxacillin; and the extended-spectrum penicillins (azlocillin, carbenicillin, mezlocillin, piperacillin and ticarcillin), which are effective against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Allergic reaction to penicillin occurs in some animals. The reaction may be slight—a stinging or burning sensation at the site of injection—or it can be more serious—severe dermatitis or even anaphylactic shock, which may be fatal.

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penicillin allergy

degradation products of the penicillins act as haptens, binding to proteins and stimulating an immune response.

penicillin G

benzylpenicillin; the most widely used penicillin; used principally in the treatment of infections due to gram-positive bacteria. Procaine penicillin G is a parenteral preparation that gives extended action for up to 24 hours and benzathine penicillin G is a very slow-release, parenteral preparation that maintains blood levels for several days.

penicillin-induced hemolytic anemia

rare problem in horses which develop IgG anti-penicillin antibodies.

phenoxymethyl penicillin

a biosynthetically or semisynthetically produced antibiotic, similar to penicillin G, for oral administration; not affected by gastric acid and is suitable for oral administration. Its antibacterial spectrum is the same as for penicillin G. Called also penicillin V.

penicillin V

see phenoxymethyl penicillin (above).