Penicillin group of antibiotics are still a popular choice for various infections. These antibiotics are relatively non-toxic except for the fact that risk of hypersensivity exists. Penicillin on degradation produces penicilloic acid and others which serve as antigenic determinants either themselves or after being bound to host proteins.
Allergic reactions after penicillin administration:
Urticaria
Fever
Joint Swelling
Angioneurotic edema
Intense pruritus
Breathing difficulty
Skin rashes
Oral lesion
Interstitial nephritis
Eosinophilia
Hemolytic anaemia
Vasculitis
Anaphylactic shock
Adverse effects to specific forms of penicillin:
In patients with renal failure, high doses of penicillin causes seizures. Nafcillin is associated with Neutropenia, Oxacillin with neutropenia, methicillin with interstitial hepatitis
High oral dosage leads to gastrointestinal upset, pseudomembranous colitis. Prolonged usage can predispose to secondary opportunistic infections like candidiasis – vaginal or oral.
Ampicillin and amoxicillin, the most commonly used preparations are notable in causing skin rashes as adverse effects. Contradictory to popular belief, these reactions are non allergic in nature.
Penicillin Images:
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