Penicillin

1. PENICILLIN
Prepared by,
Mrs. Rijo lijo
Lecturer

2. INTRODUCTION
• Penicillin (PCN or pen) is a group of antibiotics.
• It is derived originally from common moulds known as penicillium moulds; which includes
penicillin G (intravenous use), penicillin V (use by mouth), procaine penicillin, and benzathine
penicillin (intramuscular use).
• Alexander Fleming, who is credited with discovering penicillin in 1928.

3. • Generic name : penicillin V (penicillin V potassium)
• Brand name: novo-pen VK (CAN), veetids
• Classification: antibiotic, penicillin (acid stable)
• Dosage & route
• Available forms :
tablets—250, 500 mg; powder for oral solution—125, 250 mg/5 ML

5. PHARMACOKINETICS
• Penicillin has low protein binding in plasma, the bioavailability of penicillin depends on the type;
penicillin G has a low bioavailability, below 30%, whereas penicillin V has a higher
bioavailability between 60 and 70%.
• Penicillin has a short half life and is excreted via the kidneys.

7. INDICATIONS
• It is is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria.
• Streptococcal upper respiratory tract infections, scarlet fever, and erysipelas infections.
• Pneumococcal upper respiratory infections.
• Staphylococcal skin and soft tissue infections.
• Fusospirochetosis (infection of the oropharynx or middle part of the throat).
• Prevention of rheumatic fever and chorea.

8. ADVERSE REACTIONS
• Common side effects of penicillin can include:
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Stomach upset.
• Diarrhea.
• Black hairy tongue.

9. • Skin rash with or without blisters.
• Flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, feeling ill.
• Joint pain.
• Swelling of your throat, tongue, or mouth.
• Diarrhea.
• Bloody or watery diarrhea with or without stomach cramps and a fever.

10. • CNS: lethargy, hallucinations, seizures.
• GI: glossitis, stomatitis, gastritis, sore mouth, furry tongue, black “hairy” tongue,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, enterocolitis,
pseudomembranous colitis, nonspecific hepatitis.
• GU: nephritis—oliguria, proteinuria, hematuria, casts, azotemia, pyuria.
• Hematologic: anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, prolonged
bleeding time.
• Hypersensitivity reactions: rash, fever, wheezing, anaphylaxis (sometimes fatal).
• Other: superinfections, sodium overload leading to CHF; potassium poisoning—
hyperreflexia, coma, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest (potassium
preparations).

11. CONTRAINDICATIONS
• Contraindicated with allergies to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other allergens.
• Use cautiously with renal disorders, pregnancy, lactation (may cause diarrhea or candidiasis in the
infant).

12. NURSES RESPONSIBILITY
• Assessment
• History: allergies to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other allergens; renal disorders; pregnancy;
lactation.
• Physical: culture infection; skin color, lesions; r, adventitious sounds; bowel sounds: cbc, lfts, renal
function tests, serum electrolytes, hct, urinalysis.

13. • Interventions
• Culture infection before beginning treatment; re culture if response is not as expected.
• Continue therapy for at least 2 days after infection has disappeared, usually 7–10 days.
• Do not administer oral drug with milk, fruit juices, or soft drinks; a full glass of water is
preferred; this oral penicillin is less affected by food than other penicillins.

14. • Teaching points
• Avoid self-treating other infections with this antibiotic because it is specific for the infection
being treated. Complete the full course of drug therapy.
• Client may experience these side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores.
• Report difficulty breathing, rashes, severe diarrhea, mouth sores, unusual bleeding or bruising.