Penicillin: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Penicillin core structure.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The core structure of penicillin]] | [[Image:Penicillin core structure.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The core structure of penicillin]] | ||
'''Penicillin''' refers to a class of [[antibiotic]] drugs that have a common [[beta-lactam|<math>\beta</math>-lactam]] core structure. Some bacterial have developed resistance to penicillins through the acquisition of <math>\beta</math>-lactamases, enzymes which degrade the <math>\beta</math>-lactam structures of the penicillin drugs. Although the [[discovery of penicillin]] is often attributed to Flemming, organisms which produce it have been used since ancient times to treat infections. | '''Penicillin''' refers to a class of [[antibiotic]] drugs that have a common [[beta-lactam|<math>\beta</math>-lactam]] core structure. Some bacterial have developed resistance to penicillins through the acquisition of <math>\beta</math>-lactamases, enzymes which degrade the <math>\beta</math>-lactam structures of the penicillin drugs. Although the [[discovery of penicillin]] is often attributed to Flemming, organisms which produce it have been used since ancient times to treat infections. Penicillin drug may cause severe, even fatal, allergic responses in some patients. | ||
For more information about specific penicillin drugs, see these pages: | For more information about specific penicillin drugs, see these pages: |
Revision as of 15:52, 8 April 2008
Penicillin refers to a class of antibiotic drugs that have a common -lactam core structure. Some bacterial have developed resistance to penicillins through the acquisition of -lactamases, enzymes which degrade the -lactam structures of the penicillin drugs. Although the discovery of penicillin is often attributed to Flemming, organisms which produce it have been used since ancient times to treat infections. Penicillin drug may cause severe, even fatal, allergic responses in some patients.
For more information about specific penicillin drugs, see these pages: