10 Stevenz A.

Cirujales 2APH Antibacterial #5 Phenoxymethylpenicillin

PH-MCR-PRS Lecture January 31, 2013

Phenoxymethylpenicillin, also known as Penicillin V, is an oral antibacterial available in tablets and solutions. It is penicillin, having a phenoxy group derived from phenol and a methyl group, thus the name Phenoxymethylpenicillin. It is commonly used for non resistant pneumonia, upper respiratory infections, mouth infections, sore throat, diphtheria, syphilis, and leptospirosis. It may be taken on a long-term basis to prevent streptococcal infections following rheumatic fever and to prevent pneumococcal infections for those who have their spleen removed or those suffering from sickle-cell disease. Like other penicillin it has a beta-lactam ring responsible for antibacterial activity. It inactivates penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), proteins needed for cell wall synthesis, and bacterial enzymes such as transpeptidases. Transpeptidases cross-link the polymers of the peptidoglycan and thus are important in strengthening the bacterial cell wall. With the inactivation of the PbPs and transpeptidases, the bacterial cells lose rigidity and become susceptible to rupture. It is a broad-spectrum antibacterial, able to treat a range of commonly-occurring infections. Although it is effective against aerobic Gram-positive cocci and bacilli, it shows no antibacterial effect on Gram-negative bacteria. The most common pathogens treated with it are Treponema pallidum and leptospira, causatives for syphilis and leptospirosis respectively. Although it is very helpful in the fight against microbes, still its usefulness is undermined by the development of antimicrobial resistance. Several organisms, such as staphylococcus aureus, escherichia coli, neisseria gonorrhoeae, bacillus, bacteroides, and pseudomonas aeruginosa, produce enzymes called penicillinases or beta-lactamases that break down the beta-lactam ring rendering the drug ineffective. Other bacterial resistances developed are the lack of cell wall, the lack of receptors, the lack of PBPs, and the impermeability of the cell wall to penicillin. Phenoxymethylpenicillin may induce allergic or hypersensitive reactions such as rashes, fever, swelling, anaphylaxis, and more. Other side effects that may occur are diarrhea, Pseudomembranous colitis (swelling of the large intestine), and opportunistic infections such as candida. Sources: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/infections/medicines/penicillin-v.html http://drugs.webmd.boots.com/drugs/drug-364-Phenoxymethylpenicillin.aspx http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-phenoxymethylpenicillin.htm