Article Text

other Versions

Download PDFPDF
What do I need to know about penicillin antibiotics?
  1. Charlotte I Barker1,2,
  2. Eva Germovsek2,
  3. Mike Sharland1
  1. 1Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
  2. 2Inflammation, Infection and Rheumatology Section, Institute of Child Heath, University College London, London, UK
  1. Correspondence to Dr Charlotte Barker, Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK; cisbark4444{at}doctors.org.uk

Abstract

The penicillins remain the class of antibiotics most commonly prescribed to children worldwide. In an era when the risks posed by antimicrobial resistance are growing, an understanding of antibiotic pharmacology and how to apply these principles in clinical practice is increasingly important. This paper provides an overview of the pharmacology of penicillins, focusing on those aspects of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicity that are clinically relevant in paediatric prescribing. Penicillin allergy is frequently reported but a detailed history of suspected adverse reactions is essential to identify whether a clinically relevant hypersensitivity reaction is likely or not. The importance of additional factors such as antibiotic palatability, concordance and stewardship are also discussed, highlighting their relevance to optimal prescribing of the penicillins for children.

  • antimicrobial
  • beta-lactam
  • pharmacokinetics
  • prescribe
  • paediatric

Statistics from Altmetric.com

Request Permissions

If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.