Penicillin V

Penicillin V is an antibiotic in the penicillin group of drugs. It fights bacteria in your body. Penicillin V is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as ear infections.

History

Penicillin V was first discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming. It was the first antibiotic to be used widely and has saved countless lives since its discovery. Fleming discovered the antibiotic properties of the mold Penicillium notatum, and the active ingredient, which he named penicillin, was isolated and produced in a usable form in the 1940s.

Medical Uses

Penicillin V is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Penicillin V can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reactions. In rare cases, it can cause serious side effects like anaphylaxis.

Resistance

Overuse and misuse of antibiotics, including Penicillin V, have contributed to the development of antibiotic resistance. This is a serious global health problem, as resistant bacteria are harder to treat, requiring higher doses or alternative medications.

See Also

• Penicillin G
• Amoxicillin
• Antibiotic resistance