Penicillin

:For the Japanese rock band, see Penicillin (band).

Developments from penicillin

The narrow spectrum of activity of the penicillins, along with the poor activity of the orally-active phenoxymethylpenicillin, led to the search for derivatives of penicillin which could treat a wider range of infections.

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The first major development was ampicillin, which offered a broader spectrum of activity than either of the original penicillins and allowed doctors to treat a broader range of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative infections. Further developments led to amoxicillin, with improved duration-of-action.

Related Topics:
Ampicillin - Gram-positive - Gram-negative - Amoxicillin

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Further development yielded beta-lactamase-resistant penicillins including flucloxacillin, dicloxacillin and methicillin. These were important for their activity against beta-lactamase-producing bacteria such as Staphylococcus species. It is still no match for MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

Related Topics:
Beta-lactamase - Flucloxacillin - Dicloxacillin - Methicillin - Staphylococcus - MRSA

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The last in the line of true penicillins were the antipseudomonal penicillins, such as ticarcillin and piperacillin, useful for their activity against Gram-negative bacteria. However, the usefulness of the beta-lactam ring was such that related antibiotics, including the mecillinams, the carbapenems and, most importantly, the cephalosporins, have it at the centre of their structures.

Related Topics:
Ticarcillin - Piperacillin - Gram-negative - Mecillinam - Carbapenem - Cephalosporin

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