Penicillins are medicines that kill bacteria or prevent their growth.
Purpose
Penicillins are antibiotics (medicines used to treat infections caused by
microorganisms). There are several types of Penicillins, each used to treat
different kinds of infections, such as skin infections, dental infections,
ear infections, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections,
gonorrhea, and other infections caused by bacteria. These drugs will not
work for colds, flu, and other infections caused by viruses.
Description
Examples of Penicillins are Penicillin V (Beepen-VK, Pen-Vee K, V-cillin K,
Veetids) and Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Polymox, Trimox, Wymox). Penicillins are
sometimes combined with other ingredients called Beta-lactamase Inhibitors,
which protect the penicillin from bacterial enzymes that may destroy it
before it can do its work. The drug Augmentin, for example, contains a
combination of Amoxicillin and a beta-lactamase Inhibitor, Clavulanic Acid.
Penicillins are available only with a physician's prescription. They are
sold in capsule, tablet (regular and chewable), liquid, and injectable
forms.