Penicillin G

(CC) Image: David E. Volk
Penicillin G

Penicillin G, a penicillin derivative, is a beta-lactam-based antibiotic drug used to treat severe infections from most gram-positive and some gram-negative cocci. It is also an experimental drug for the treatment of convulsions due to it effects on synaptic transmission mediated by gamma-aminobutyric acid.

Chemistry

Penicillin G is stable against degradation (hydrolysis) by beta-lactamases, includingpenicillinases, and cephalosporinases. Its IUPAC chemical name is (2S,5R,6R)-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-[(2-phenylacetyl)amino]-4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0] heptane-2-carboxylic acid and it has chemical formula C₁₆H₁₈N₂O₄S (MW = 334.3901 g/mol).

Mechanism of action

Penicillins work by binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) in the bacterial cell wall and inhibiting the final stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis, resulting in autolysis of the bacterial cells by autolysin enzymes.

External links

• Penicillin G - FDA approved drug information (drug label) from DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
• Drug Bank [1]