Penicillins
- Beta-lactams inhibiting cell-wall synthesis
- Spectrum ranges narrow → antipseudomonal
- Amoxicillin: common respiratory/oral use
- Piperacillin/tazobactam: broad inpatient therapy
- Allergy history often overlabels intolerance
- Diarrhea/rash are common
- Renal dose adjustment is frequent
Class at a glance
- Beta-lactams inhibiting cell-wall synthesis
Clinical role
- Amoxicillin: common respiratory/oral use
Members / distinctions
- Spectrum ranges narrow → antipseudomonal
- Piperacillin/tazobactam: broad inpatient therapy
- Allergy history often overlabels intolerance
Safety / monitoring
- Diarrhea/rash are common
- Renal dose adjustment is frequent
Self-check
- What common adverse effects occur with penicillins?
Diarrhea and rash. - What dosing adjustment is frequently needed with penicillins?
Renal dose adjustment.
Drugs in this class (11)
Penicillins prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, Penicillins (oral) (1955–2026).
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