Penicillin

Penicillin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Diseases that can be treated with penicillin include respiratory tract infections, middle ear infections, or rheumatic fever.

Penicillin kills bacteria by inhibiting the formation of the bacterial cell wall. Keep in mind, penicillin is only effective for treating infections caused by bacteria. This medicine cannot treat viral, fungal, or worm infections.

Penicillin trademarks : Benzathine Benzylpenicillin, Fenocin, Phenoxymethyl Penicillin, Procaine Benzyl Penicillin, Procaine Penicillin G Meji, Penicillin V

What is Penicillin

Warning Before Using Penicillin

Penicillin should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. There are several things that you should pay attention to before using penicillin, namely:

• Do not use penicillin if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have had asthma, cystic fibrosis , kidney disease, mononucleosis , colitis, phenylketonuria , or diarrhea caused by antibiotics.
• Tell your doctor if you have or currently have congestive heart failure , high blood pressure, or a blood clotting disorder.
• Tell your doctor if you have recently had or are planning to get vaccinated in the near future, because penicillin may decrease the effectiveness of the vaccine.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
• Immediately see a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction , overdose, or serious side effects after using penicillin.

Dosage and Rules for Using Penicillin  

The following is the dose of penicillin based on the patient's age and the condition to be treated:

Condition: Bacterial infection

• Adult: 125–500 mg taken every 6–8 hours.
• Children aged 1 month to 12 years: 25-75 mg/kgBB per day, the dose is divided into 3-4 times consumption. The maximum dose is 2,000 mg per day.

Condition:  Streprococcal infection

• Adult: 125–250 mg taken every 6–8 hours for 10 days.

Condition: Middle ear infection ( otitis media )

• Adult: In otitis media due to Streptococcus infection , the dose is 125–250 mg taken every 6–8 hours for 10 days. In pneumococcal infection, the dose is 250–500 mg taken every 6 hours until the patient is afebrile, for at least 2 days.

Condition: Respiratory tract infection

• Adult: In respiratory tract infections due to Streptococcus infection , the dose is 125–250 mg taken every 6–8 hours for 10 days. In pneumococcal infection, the dose is 250–500 mg taken every 6 hours until the patient is afebrile, for at least 2 days.
• Children aged > 3 months: In lung infections (pneumonia), the dose is 50-75 mg/kgBB per day, divided into 3-4 times consumption.

Condition: Skin or soft tissue infection

• Adult: 250–500 mg taken every 6–8 hours.

Condition: Prevention of rheumatic fever

• Adult: 125–250 mg taken 2 times daily.

Condition: Tonsillitis

• Adult: 500 mg 2–3 times daily for 10 days.
• Children weighing ≤27 kg: 250 mg 2–3 times daily for 10 days.

Condition: Pharyngitis

• Adult: 250 mg 4 times daily or 500 mg 2 times daily, taken for 10 days. The maximum dose is 2,000 mg per day.
• Children: 250 mg 2–3 times daily, taken for 10 days. The maximum dose is 2,000 mg per day.

Condition: Prevention of endocarditis

• Adult: 2,000 mg 1 hour before procedure and 1,000 mg 6 hours later.
• Children weighing ≤27 kg: 1,000 mg 1 hour before procedure and 500 mg 6 hours later.

Condition: Treatment and prevention of cutaneous anthrax

• Adult: 500 mg taken every 6 hours, taken for 7–10 days.
• Infants ≤1 week of age: 25 mg/kg every 12 hours. Duration of treatment for 7–10 days.
• Infants 1–4 weeks old: 25 mg/kg every 8 hours. Duration of treatment for 7–10 days.

Condition: Joint infection

• Adult: 500 mg taken 2–4 times daily.

Penicillin in the form of injectable powder will be given by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor according to the patient's needs, conditions and response.

How to Use Penicillin Properly

Always read the information on the penicillin packaging before using it. Use penicillin according to the doctor 's prescription . Do not increase or decrease your dose and start or stop medication without consulting your doctor first.

Penicillin in the form of capsules and tablets is consumed on an empty stomach, ie 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating. Swallow penicillin tablets or capsules with the help of plain water.

Take penicillin at the same time every day. If you forget to take penicillin, take this drug immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.

Store penicillin in a dry place, at room temperature, and away from direct sunlight. Keep this drug out of reach of children.

Penicillin Interactions with Other Drugs

The following are some of the interaction effects that can occur if penicillin is used together with other drugs:

• Increased blood levels of penicillin when used with probenecid
• Increased levels of  methotrexate in the blood which are at risk of causing side effects
• Increased risk of bleeding when used with warfarin
• Decreased effectiveness of live vaccines, such as the BCG vaccine or typhoid vaccine

Side Effects and Dangers of Penicillin

There are several side effects that can occur after using penicillin, including:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach ache
• Itchy or vaginal discharge
• Headache
• Sprue

Check with your doctor if you have side effects that don't improve or get worse. In addition, you need to see a doctor immediately if you experience more serious penicillin side effects, namely:

• Severe diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
• Fever , chills, body aches, or flu symptoms
• Easy bruising
• Jaundice
• Less frequent urination or not at all
• Skin rash, itchy skin, or peeling skin
• Irritability, confusion, or changes in behavior
• Seizures or fainting

See a doctor immediately if you experience these serious side effects or an allergic reaction to a drug, which can be marked by certain symptoms, such as swelling of the lips or eyelids, a rash on the skin, or difficulty breathing.