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2D Structure
Also known as: Benzylpenicillin, 61-33-6, Benzylpenicillinic acid, Benzyl penicillin, Free penicillin ii, Pfizerpen
Molecular Formula
C16H18N2O4S
Molecular Weight
334.4  g/mol
InChI Key
JGSARLDLIJGVTE-MBNYWOFBSA-N
FDA UNII
Q42T66VG0C

A penicillin derivative commonly used in the form of its sodium or potassium salts in the treatment of a variety of infections. It is effective against most gram-positive bacteria and against gram-negative cocci. It has also been used as an experimental convulsant because of its actions on GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID mediated synaptic transmission.
Penicillin g is a Penicillin-class Antibacterial.
1 2D Structure

2D Structure

2 Identification
2.1 Computed Descriptors
2.1.1 IUPAC Name
(2S,5R,6R)-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-[(2-phenylacetyl)amino]-4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic acid
2.1.2 InChI
InChI=1S/C16H18N2O4S/c1-16(2)12(15(21)22)18-13(20)11(14(18)23-16)17-10(19)8-9-6-4-3-5-7-9/h3-7,11-12,14H,8H2,1-2H3,(H,17,19)(H,21,22)/t11-,12+,14-/m1/s1
2.1.3 InChI Key
JGSARLDLIJGVTE-MBNYWOFBSA-N
2.1.4 Canonical SMILES
CC1(C(N2C(S1)C(C2=O)NC(=O)CC3=CC=CC=C3)C(=O)O)C
2.1.5 Isomeric SMILES
CC1([C@@H](N2[C@H](S1)[C@@H](C2=O)NC(=O)CC3=CC=CC=C3)C(=O)O)C
2.2 Other Identifiers
2.2.1 UNII
Q42T66VG0C
2.3 Synonyms
2.3.1 MeSH Synonyms

1. Benpen

2. Benzylpenicillin

3. Benzylpenicillin Potassium

4. Coliriocilina

5. Crystapen

6. Or-pen

7. Parcillin

8. Pekamin

9. Pengesod

10. Penibiot

11. Penicilina G Llorente

12. Penicillin G Jenapharm

13. Penicillin G Potassium

14. Penicillin G Sodium

15. Penicillin Grnenthal

16. Penilevel

17. Peniroger

18. Pfizerpen

19. Sodiopen

20. Sodipen

21. Sodium Benzylpenicillin

22. Sodium Penicillin

23. Unicilina

24. Ursopen

25. Van-pen-g

2.3.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

1. Benzylpenicillin

2. 61-33-6

3. Benzylpenicillinic Acid

4. Benzyl Penicillin

5. Free Penicillin Ii

6. Pfizerpen

7. Bencilpenicilina

8. Benzylpenicillinum

9. Benzylpenicilline

10. Benzylpenicillin G

11. 6-(2-phenylacetamido)penicillanic Acid

12. Free Penicillin G

13. Benzopenicillin

14. Dropcillin

15. Gelacillin

16. Liquacillin

17. Pharmacillin

18. Cilopen

19. Pradupen

20. Specilline G

21. (5r,6r)-benzylpenicillin

22. Penicillin, (phenylmethyl)-

23. Galofak

24. Free Benzylpenicillin

25. Penicillin-g Potassium

26. Compocillin G

27. Bensylpenicillin

28. Benzyl Benicillin

29. Penicillinic Acid, (phenylmethyl)-

30. Phenylacetamidopenicillanic Acid

31. (2s,5r,6r)-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-(2-phenylacetamido)-4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic Acid

32. Pencillin G

33. Cilloral

34. Cosmopen

35. Chebi:18208

36. J01ce01

37. Benzyl-6-aminopenicillinic Acid

38. Penicillinic Acid, Benzyl-

39. (phenylmethyl)penicillin

40. Q42t66vg0c

41. Ursopen

42. (phenylmethyl)penicillinic Acid

43. Nsc-193396

44. 4-thia-1-azabicyclo(3.2.0)heptane-2-carboxylic Acid, 3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-((phenylacetyl)amino)- (2s-(2alpha,5alpha,6beta))-

45. Benzylpenicillin (inn)

46. (2s,5r,6r)-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-(2-phenylacetamido)-4-thia-1-azabicyclo(3.2.0)heptane-2-carboxylic Acid

47. (2s,5r,6r)-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-(phenylacetamido)-4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic Acid

48. 4-thia-1-azabicyclo(3.2.0)heptane-2-carboxylic Acid, 3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-(2-phenylacetamido)-

49. Benzylpenicillin [inn]

50. Cillora

51. Penicilling

52. Bencilpenicilina [spanish]

53. Benzylpenicilline [french]

54. Benzylpenicillinum [latin]

55. Benzylpenicillin [inn:ban]

56. 4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic Acid, 3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-[(phenylacetyl)amino]- [2s-(2alpha,5alpha,6beta)]-

57. Smr000538912

58. Hsdb 3166

59. Einecs 200-506-3

60. Nsc 193396

61. Brn 0044740

62. Unii-q42t66vg0c

63. Penicillin,(s)

64. 4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic Acid, 3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-(2-phenylacetamido)-

65. Penicillin-g

66. Spectrum_000933

67. Chembl29

68. Prestwick0_001078

69. Prestwick1_001078

70. Prestwick2_001078

71. Prestwick3_001078

72. Spectrum2_000518

73. Spectrum3_000542

74. Spectrum4_000471

75. Spectrum5_001108

76. Epitope Id:114070

77. Penicillin G [mi]

78. Schembl3783

79. Penicillin G [hsdb]

80. Bspbio_001096

81. Bspbio_002183

82. Kbiogr_000942

83. Kbioss_001413

84. Penicillin G [vandf]

85. (2s,5r,6r)-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-[(2-phenylacetyl)amino]-4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic Acid

86. 4-27-00-05861 (beilstein Handbook Reference)

87. 4-thia-1-azabicyclo(3.2.0)heptane-2-carboxylic Acid, 3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-((phenylacetyl)amino)-, (2s-(2alpha,5alpha,6beta))-

88. Mls000766897

89. Mls001032123

90. Mls001173382

91. Divk1c_000316

92. Spbio_000475

93. Spbio_002998

94. Bpbio1_001206

95. Gtpl4796

96. Benzylpenicillin [mart.]

97. Dtxsid5046934

98. Kbio1_000316

99. Kbio2_001413

100. Kbio2_003981

101. Kbio2_006549

102. Kbio3_001683

103. Benzylpenicillin [who-dd]

104. Ninds_000316

105. Glxc-25718

106. Hms2875l09

107. Hy-n7139

108. Zinc3871701

109. Bdbm50022787

110. Phenylacetyl-6-aminopenicillanic Acid

111. Akos005203091

112. Db01053

113. Idi1_000316

114. Ncgc00159348-02

115. Ncgc00159348-03

116. (2s,5r,6r)-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-[(phenylacetyl)amino]-4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic Acid

117. 4-thia-1-azabicyclo(3.2.0)heptane-2-carboxylic Acid, 3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6- (2-phenylacetamido)-

118. 4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic Acid, 3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-[(phenylacetyl)amino]- (2s,5r,6r)-

119. Sbi-0051476.p003

120. (2s,5r,6r)-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-

121. Bicillin (*benzathine Salt, Tetrahydrate*)

122. Cs-0013727

123. C05551

124. D02336

125. (2-phenylacetamido)-4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]

126. 061p336

127. A833169

128. Q258450

129. W-109262

130. Brd-k55191674-236-03-7

131. Brd-k55191674-237-02-7

132. Brd-k55191674-237-12-6

133. Benzylpenicillin, Antibiotic For Culture Media Use Only

134. Phenoxymethylpenicillin Impurity A [ep Impurity]

135. 2,2-dimethyl-6beta-(phenylacetamido)penam-3alpha-carboxylic Acid

136. Phenoxymethylpenicillin Potassium Impurity A [ep Impurity]

137. (+)-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-phenylacetylamino-4-thia-1-aza-bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic Acid(penicillin G)

138. (2s,5r,6r)-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-(2-phenylacetamido)-4-thia-1-aza-bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic Acid

139. (2s,5r,6r)-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-(2-phenylacetamido)-4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylicacid

140. (2s,5r,6r)-3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-phenylacetylamino-4-thia-1-aza-bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic Acid

141. 3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-phenylacetylamino-4-thia-1-aza-bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic Acid

142. 3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-phenylacetylamino-4-thia-1-aza-bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic Acid Anion (penicillin G)

143. 3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-phenylacetylamino-4-thia-1-aza-bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic Acid(penicillin G)

144. 4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic Acid, 3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-[(2-phenylacetyl)amino]- (2s,5r,6r)-

145. 4-thia-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane-2-carboxylic Acid, 3,3-dimethyl-7-oxo-6-[(phenylacetyl)amino]-, (2s,5r,6r)-

2.4 Create Date
2004-09-16
3 Chemical and Physical Properties
Molecular Weight 334.4 g/mol
Molecular Formula C16H18N2O4S
XLogP31.8
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count2
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count5
Rotatable Bond Count4
Exact Mass334.09872823 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass334.09872823 g/mol
Topological Polar Surface Area112 Ų
Heavy Atom Count23
Formal Charge0
Complexity530
Isotope Atom Count0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count3
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Covalently Bonded Unit Count1
4 Drug and Medication Information
4.1 Drug Information
1 of 4  
Drug NamePenicillin g potassium in plastic container
Drug LabelBuffered Pfizerpen (penicillin G potassium) for Injection is a sterile, pyrogen-free powder for reconstitution. Buffered Pfizerpen for Injection is an antibacterial agent for intramuscular, continuous intravenous drip, intrapleural or other local inf...
Active IngredientPenicillin g potassium
Dosage FormInjectable
RouteInjection
Strength20,000 units/ml; 40,000 units/ml; 60,000 units/ml
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyBaxter Hlthcare

2 of 4  
Drug NamePfizerpen
Active IngredientPenicillin g potassium
Dosage FormInjectable
RouteInjection
Strength20,000,000 units/vial; 5,000,000 units/vial
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyPfizer

3 of 4  
Drug NamePenicillin g potassium in plastic container
Drug LabelBuffered Pfizerpen (penicillin G potassium) for Injection is a sterile, pyrogen-free powder for reconstitution. Buffered Pfizerpen for Injection is an antibacterial agent for intramuscular, continuous intravenous drip, intrapleural or other local inf...
Active IngredientPenicillin g potassium
Dosage FormInjectable
RouteInjection
Strength20,000 units/ml; 40,000 units/ml; 60,000 units/ml
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyBaxter Hlthcare

4 of 4  
Drug NamePfizerpen
Active IngredientPenicillin g potassium
Dosage FormInjectable
RouteInjection
Strength20,000,000 units/vial; 5,000,000 units/vial
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyPfizer

4.2 Therapeutic Uses

Convulsants; GABA Modulators; Penicillins

National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings online file (MeSH, 1999)


GINGIVOSTOMATITIS, PULMONARY INFECTIONS, & GENITAL DISEASE PRODUCED BY SYNERGISTIC ACTION OF FUSOBACTERIUM NUCLEATUM (FUSIFORM) & SPIROCHETES PRESENT IN RESPIRATORY TRACT ARE READILY TREATABLE WITH PENICILLIN. /PENICILLIN/

Gilman, A.G., T.W. Rall, A.S. Nies and P. Taylor (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 8th ed. New York, NY. Pergamon Press, 1990., p. 1074


TWO MICROORGANISMS RESPONSIBLE FOR.../RAT-BITE FEVER/ ARE SENSITIVE TO PENICILLIN G. ...DRUG OF CHOICE IN MGMNT OF INFECTIONS DUE TO LIST MONOCYTOGENES... ONLY SPECIES OF PASTEURELLA HIGHLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO PENICILLIN IS PAST MULTOCIDA. ... CAUSATIVE AGENT OF /ERYSIPELOID/...IS SENSITIVE TO PENICILLIN.

Gilman, A.G., T.W. Rall, A.S. Nies and P. Taylor (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 8th ed. New York, NY. Pergamon Press, 1990., p. 1074


PENICILLIN G THERAPY OF SYPHILIS IS ALMOST IDEALLY SAFE, INEXPENSIVE, & HIGHLY EFFECTIVE. ...AGENT OF CHOICE FOR TREATMENT OF ALL CLINICAL FORMS OF ACTINOMYCOSIS...ANTHRAX...GAS GANGRENE...

Gilman, A.G., T.W. Rall, A.S. Nies and P. Taylor (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 8th ed. New York, NY. Pergamon Press, 1990., p. 1073


For more Therapeutic Uses (Complete) data for PENICILLIN G (35 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.3 Drug Warning

WHEN MASSIVE DOSES OF PENICILLIN G SODIUM ARE USED, CONSIDERABLE SODIUM LOAD IS INTRODUCED, WHICH EXPANDS EXTRACELLULAR SPACE & MAY CAUSE EDEMA IN PT WITH HEART FAILURE. /PENICILLIN G SODIUM/

Osol, A. and J.E. Hoover, et al. (eds.). Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences. 15th ed. Easton, Pennsylvania: Mack Publishing Co., 1975., p. 1132


ALLERGIES CAN OCCUR TO PROCAINE COMPONENT, BUT OTHER TOXIC EFFECTS OF PROCAINE ARE VERY RARE. /PROCAINE/

Osol, A. and J.E. Hoover, et al. (eds.). Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences. 15th ed. Easton, Pennsylvania: Mack Publishing Co., 1975., p. 1132


ANURIA INCR HALF-LIFE OF PENICILLIN G FROM NORMAL VALUE OF 1/2 HR TO ABOUT 10 HR.

Gilman, A.G., T.W. Rall, A.S. Nies and P. Taylor (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 8th ed. New York, NY. Pergamon Press, 1990., p. 1071


ALTHOUGH PENICILLIN G PREPN FOR INHALATION THERAPY & FOR TOPICAL APPLICATION TO SKIN & MUCOUS MEMBRANES ARE STILL AVAIL, THEIR USE IS NOT RECOMMENDED BECAUSE PROOF THAT THEY ARE ADEQUATELY EFFECTIVE IS LACKING, & BECAUSE THEY PRODUCE HIGH INCIDENCE OF HYPERSENSITIZATION.

Gilman, A.G., T.W. Rall, A.S. Nies and P. Taylor (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 8th ed. New York, NY. Pergamon Press, 1990., p. 1071


For more Drug Warnings (Complete) data for PENICILLIN G (23 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.4 Drug Indication

For use in the treatment of severe infections caused by penicillin G-susceptible microorganisms when rapid and high penicillin levels are required such as in the treatment of septicemia, meningitis, pericarditis, endocarditis and severe pneumonia.


5 Pharmacology and Biochemistry
5.1 Pharmacology

Penicillin G is a penicillin beta-lactam antibiotic used in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible, usually gram-positive, organisms. The name "penicillin" can either refer to several variants of penicillin available, or to the group of antibiotics derived from the penicillins. Penicillin G has in vitro activity against gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The bactericidal activity of penicillin G results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis and is mediated through penicillin G binding to penicillin binding proteins (PBPs). Penicillin G is stable against hydrolysis by a variety of beta-lactamases, including penicillinases, and cephalosporinases and extended spectrum beta-lactamases.


5.2 MeSH Pharmacological Classification

Anti-Bacterial Agents

Substances that inhibit the growth or reproduction of BACTERIA. (See all compounds classified as Anti-Bacterial Agents.)


5.3 FDA Pharmacological Classification
5.3.1 Active Moiety
PENICILLIN G
5.3.2 FDA UNII
Q42T66VG0C
5.3.3 Pharmacological Classes
Penicillins [CS]; Penicillin-class Antibacterial [EPC]
5.4 ATC Code

J - Antiinfectives for systemic use

J01 - Antibacterials for systemic use

J01C - Beta-lactam antibacterials, penicillins

J01CE - Beta-lactamase sensitive penicillins

J01CE01 - Benzylpenicillin


S - Sensory organs

S01 - Ophthalmologicals

S01A - Antiinfectives

S01AA - Antibiotics

S01AA14 - Benzylpenicillin


5.5 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed following both intramuscular and subcutaneous injection. Initial blood levels following parenteral administration are high but transient. Oral absorption in fasting, healthy humans is only about 15-30% as it is very susceptible to acid-catalyzed hydrolysis.


Route of Elimination

Penicillin G is eliminated by the kidneys. Nonrenal clearance includes hepatic metabolism and, to a lesser extent, biliary excretion.


Volume of Distribution

0.530.67 L/kg in adults with normal renal function


Clearance

560ml/min in healthy humans


...WIDELY DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT BODY... ITS APPARENT VOL OF DISTRIBUTION IS IN ABOUT 50% OF TOTAL BODY WATER. MORE THAN 90%...IN BLOOD IS IN PLASMA & LESS THAN 10% IS IN ERYTHROCYTES; APPROX 65% IS REVERSIBLY BOUND TO PLASMA ALBUMIN. LOW CONCN OF PROTEIN...LOW DEGREE OF BINDING...DRUG EFFICACY.

Gilman, A.G., T.W. Rall, A.S. Nies and P. Taylor (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 8th ed. New York, NY. Pergamon Press, 1990., p. 1070


SIGNIFICANT AMT APPEAR IN LIVER, BILE, KIDNEY, SEMEN, LYMPH, & INTESTINE. ... PENICILLIN DOES NOT READILY ENTER CSF WHEN MENINGES ARE NORMAL.

Gilman, A.G., T.W. Rall, A.S. Nies and P. Taylor (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 8th ed. New York, NY. Pergamon Press, 1990., p. 1070


ORAL DOSES OF 500 MG POTASSIUM PENICILLIN G TO HUMAN SUBJECTS RESULT IN URINARY CONCN OF 600 UG/ML, FOR 2 HR, & 300 UG/ML, FOR 4 HR AFTER DOSING. ... INEFFICIENT PLACENTAL TRANSFER IS CONSISTENT WITH LOW LIPID SOLUBILITY & LOW IONIZATION CONSTANT OF PENICILLIN G & THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF PLACENTAL TRANSPORT.

The Chemical Society. Foreign Compound Metabolism in Mammals Volume 3. London: The Chemical Society, 1975., p. 167


...RAPIDLY ELIMINATED FROM BODY, MAINLY BY KIDNEY BUT IN SMALL PART IN BILE & BY OTHER CHANNELS. ... CLEARANCE VALUES ARE CONSIDERABLY LOWER IN NEONATES & INFANTS, BECAUSE OF INCOMPLETE DEVELOPMENT OF RENAL FUNCTION...

Gilman, A.G., T.W. Rall, A.S. Nies and P. Taylor (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 8th ed. New York, NY. Pergamon Press, 1990., p. 1071


For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for PENICILLIN G (21 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


5.6 Metabolism/Metabolites

About 16-30% of an intramuscular dose is metabolized to penicilloic acid, an inactive metabolite. Small amounts of 6-aminopenicillanic acid have been recovered in the urine of patients on penicillin G. A small percentage of the drug appears to be hydroxylated into one or more active metabolites, which are also excreted via urine.


Approx 16-30% of an IM dose of penicillin G sodium is metabolized to penicilloic acid which is microbiologically inactive. Small amt of 6-aminopenicillanic acid (6-APA) have also been found in the urine of patients receiving penicillin G. In addition, the drug appears to be hydroxylated to a small extent to one or more microbiologically active metabolites which are also excreted in urine.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service - Drug Information 95. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Hospital Pharmacists, Inc., 1995 (Plus Supplements 1995)., p. 249


5.7 Biological Half-Life

In adults with normal renal function is reportedly 0.40.9 hours


ELIMINATION HALF-LIFE IS ABOUT 30 MIN IN NORMAL ADULTS.

Gilman, A.G., T.W. Rall, A.S. Nies and P. Taylor (eds.). Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 8th ed. New York, NY. Pergamon Press, 1990., p. 1071


PENICILLIN HALF-LIFE IN HUMAN SERUM INCR FROM ABOUT 25 MIN IN YOUNG ADULTS TO 2 HR IN ELDERLY SUBJECTS & IS ALSO MARKEDLY INCR BY DRUGS WHICH ARE ACTIVELY SECRETED BY KIDNEY TUBULES. /PENICILLIN/

The Chemical Society. Foreign Compound Metabolism in Mammals Volume 3. London: The Chemical Society, 1975., p. 167


The serum half-life of penicillin G in adults with normal renal function is reportedly 0.4-0.9 hr.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service - Drug Information 95. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Hospital Pharmacists, Inc., 1995 (Plus Supplements 1995)., p. 249


The serum half-life of penicillin G in neonates varies inversely with age and appears to be independent of birthweight. The serum half-life of the drug is reportedly 3.2-3.4 hr in neonates 6 days of age or younger, 1.2-2.2 hr in neonates 7-13 days of age, and 0.9-1.9 hr in neonates 14 days of age or older.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service - Drug Information 95. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Hospital Pharmacists, Inc., 1995 (Plus Supplements 1995)., p. 249


5.8 Mechanism of Action

By binding to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall, penicillin G inhibits the third and last stage of bacterial cell wall synthesis. Cell lysis is then mediated by bacterial cell wall autolytic enzymes such as autolysins; it is possible that penicillin G interferes with an autolysin inhibitor.


The penicillins and their metabolites are potent immunogens because of their ability to combine with proteins and act as haptens for acute antibody-mediated reactions. The most frequent (about 95 percent) or "major" determinant of penicillin allergy is the penicilloyl determinant produced by opening the beta-lactam ring of the penicillin. This allows linkage of the penicillin to protein at the amide group. "Minor" determinants (less frequent) are the other metabolites formed, including native penicillin and penicilloic acids. /Penicillins/

Haddad, L.M., Clinical Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Co., 1990., p. 953


Bactericidal; inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis. Action is dependent on the ability of penicillins to reach and bind penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located on the inner membrane of the bacterial cell wall. Penicillin-binding proteins (which include transpeptidases, carboxypeptidases, and endopeptidases) are enzymes that are involved in the terminal stages of assembling the bacterial cell wall and in reshaping the cell wall during growth and division. Penicillins bind to, and inactivate, penicillin-binding proteins, resulting in the weakening of the bacterial cell wall and lysis. /Penicillins/

USP Convention. USPDI - Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. 15 th ed. Volume 1. Rockville, MD: United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc., 1995. (Plus updates.), p. 2150