Classification
Penicillin is a very common antibiotic. It is one of the oldest antibiotics. Because of this, the experience with penicillin in clinical everyday life is very extensive.
Today there are many different forms of administration and variations of the original drug. The most commonly used penicillin is penicillin V and penicillin G. It is available as oral and intravenous administration. When taken orally, the drug should be taken three times a day for 5-10 days, depending on the disease and pathogen.
Side effects
Especially when penicillin is used for the first time in patients, one should be aware of allergic reactions of all kinds. These can range from mild skin rashes caused by the penicillin to shortness of breath, unconsciousness and death. Especially penicillin administered through the veins should be given slowly and the first minutes only under supervision.
Seizures have also been observed under penicillin therapy. Bacteria killed by penicillin can also trigger a reaction in the patient (Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction), which manifests itself in chills and fever. In this case, however, the penicillin therapy should be continued and accompanying symptoms treated by lowering the fever.
In most cases, this reaction is rapidly diminishing. Accidental intravenous administration of depot penicillin can lead to a so-called Hoignè syndrome with anxiety and loss of consciousness, which, however, subsides after 15-20 minutes. If depotpenicillin is inadvertently administered into the artery, there is also a risk of inflammation until the corresponding limb dies (gangrene).
The administration of penicillin G-potassium can lead to unnaturally high potassium levels in the blood and resulting cardiac arrhythmia. It is known that some people react to penicillin with an allergy. Mild allergies can lead to skin rashes and itching.
Severe allergic reactions can lead to swelling of the airways and breathing difficulties, as well as to anaphylactic shock with low blood pressure and palpitations, which can lead to unconsciousness and death. In case of reddening of the skin, rash and itching, therapy with penicillin should be stopped immediately. There are other antibiotics available which can also be taken.
In case of an allergy to penicillin, the treating physician should be informed. This can also be recorded in the form of an allergy pass to inform doctors in emergencies. The rash and itching should be reduced after discontinuing penicillin after one week at the latest.
Skin-care creams and cool water on the skin have a soothing effect on these symptoms. In very severe cases, the doctor may prescribe additional soothing medication or ointments. and rashes caused by amoxicillin
