Benzylpenicillin

AKA penicillin G

Indications

Administration/Absorption

Dosage

Distribution

Mechanism

    • Inhibits the formation of peptidoglycan cross-links in the bacterial cell wall

      • The β-lactam moiety (functional group) of penicillin binds to the enzyme (DD-transpeptidase) that links the peptidoglycan molecules in bacteria.

      • The enzymes that hydrolyze the peptidoglycan cross-links continue to function, which weakens the cell wall of the bacterium

      • In addition, the build-up of peptidoglycan precursors triggers the activation of bacterial cell wall hydrolases and autolysins, which further digest the bacteria's existing peptidoglycan

    • Shows a synergistic effect with aminoglycosides

      • inhibition of peptidoglycan synthesis allows aminoglycosides to penetrate the bacterial cell wall more easily, allowing its disruption of bacterial protein synthesis within the cell

      • This results in a lowered MBC for susceptible organisms.

Excretion

Side effects

Interactions

Contraindications