penicillins

Bacteria-killing drug class

Penicillins are a class of antibiotics derived from Penicillium molds, used to treat bacterial infections.

The original penicillin, discovered in 1928, revolutionized medicine; subsequent versions were developed to combat resistant bacteria or target specific infections.

The doctor prescribed penicillins for the strep throat.

Some people are allergic to penicillins, which can cause reactions ranging from rash to anaphylaxis.

antibiotic

bactericidal

Able to destroy microbes

broad-spectrumEffective across many varieties
narrow-spectrumActing on limited range
streptococcusSpherical bacteria in chains

staphylococcus · pneumonia · pharyngitis · endocarditis · meningitis · sepsis · syphilis · gonorrhea · prophylaxis · antimicrobial

allergy

anaphylaxis

Severe systemic allergic reaction

hivesRaised itchy skin reaction
rashHeedless or skin irritation
urticariaRaised itchy skin welts

angioedema · swelling · itching · bronchospasm · hypersensitivity · allergic reaction · cross-reactivity · cephalosporin · skin test · EpiPen

discovery

Fleming

Person from Flanders

ChainInherited family identifier
moldForm-giving container
PenicilliumAntibiotic-producing fungal genus

serendipity · Nobel Prize · World War II · mass production · Oxford · fermentation · breakthrough · miracle drug · pharmaceutical · history

resistance

MRSA

Drug-resistant staph infection

superbugTreatment-resistant pathogen
mutationPermanent DNA alteration
overuseExcessive employment of something

misuse · clavulanic acid · inhibitor · plasmid

penicillins

bactericidal

anaphylaxis

Fleming

MRSA

penicillins

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

Family