Penicillin

Penicillin is used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. There are several different kinds of penicillins. Each is used to treat different kinds of bacterial infections. One kind of penicillin usually may not be used in place of another. Penicillins are used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. They are sometimes given with other antibacterial medicines. Carbenicillin is used only to treat bacterial infections of the urinary tract and prostate gland. Penicillin G and penicillin V are also used to prevent “strep” infections in patients with a history of rheumatic heart disease. Piperacillin is given by injection to prevent bacterial infections before, during, and after surgery also. Some penicillins may also be used for other problems. However, none of the penicillins will work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Penicillins (except some of them) are best taken with a full glass of water on an empty stomach (either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) unless otherwise directed by the doctor. To help clear up the infection completely, keep taking penicillin for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If the patient has a “strep” infection, he/she should keep taking this medicine for at least 10 days. This is especially important in “strep” infections. Serious heart problems could develop later if the infection is not cleared up completely. Also, if a person stops taking this medicine too soon, his/her symptoms may return. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects, they are difficulty in breathing, skin rash or itching, abdominal or stomach pain, blood in urine, diarrhea, and joint pain.

Ex. 20. Read and translate one of the following abstracts: