Among parts of beta-lactam(s) are the penicillin which is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics and are among the least toxic drug known; the major adverse reaction of penicillin is hypersensitivity. They are among the safest drugs, and blood levels are not monitored, although adverse reaction occurs occasionally.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
1. Hypersensitivity: This is the severe/important adverse effect of the penicillin. The major determinant of penicillin hypersensitivity is its metabolite which reacts with proteins and serves as a hapten to cause an immune reaction. Some patients have some reaction ranging from maculopapular rash (especially in young children that comes and go in hours) to angiodema (marked swelling of the lips, tongue, periorbital area) and anaphylaxis. Although rashes can develop with all penicillins, maculopapular rashes are most common will ampicillins because there are beta-lactam antibiotics. Research shows that among patients with mononucleosis who are treated with ampicillin has 100% incidence of maculopapular rashes
2. Diarrhea: This effect which is caused by a disruption of the normal balance of intestinal microorganisms, (resulting to frequent passing of watery stools), is a common problem. It occurs to a greater extent with those agents that are incompletely absorbed and have an extended antibacterial spectrum.
3. Neurotoxicity: The penicillins are irritating to neuronal tissue and can provoke seizures if injected intrathecally or if very high blood levels are reached. Epileptic patients are especially at risk.
4. Nephritis: All penicillin, but particularly methicillin, has the potential to cause acute interstitial nephrites.
5. Cation Toxicity: Toxicity may be caused by the large quantifies of sodium or potassium that accompany the penicillin. Sodium excess may result in hypokalemia e.g. carbenicillin indanyl sodium.
6. Platelet Dysfunction: This side effect, which involves decreased agglutination, is observed with the antipseudomonal penicillin’s (carbenicillin and ticarcillin) and to some extent, with penicillin G. It is generally concerned when treating patients predisposed to hemorrhage or those receiving anticoagulants.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
1. Hypersensitivity: This is the severe/important adverse effect of the penicillin. The major determinant of penicillin hypersensitivity is its metabolite which reacts with proteins and serves as a hapten to cause an immune reaction. Some patients have some reaction ranging from maculopapular rash (especially in young children that comes and go in hours) to angiodema (marked swelling of the lips, tongue, periorbital area) and anaphylaxis. Although rashes can develop with all penicillins, maculopapular rashes are most common will ampicillins because there are beta-lactam antibiotics. Research shows that among patients with mononucleosis who are treated with ampicillin has 100% incidence of maculopapular rashes
2. Diarrhea: This effect which is caused by a disruption of the normal balance of intestinal microorganisms, (resulting to frequent passing of watery stools), is a common problem. It occurs to a greater extent with those agents that are incompletely absorbed and have an extended antibacterial spectrum.
3. Neurotoxicity: The penicillins are irritating to neuronal tissue and can provoke seizures if injected intrathecally or if very high blood levels are reached. Epileptic patients are especially at risk.
4. Nephritis: All penicillin, but particularly methicillin, has the potential to cause acute interstitial nephrites.
5. Cation Toxicity: Toxicity may be caused by the large quantifies of sodium or potassium that accompany the penicillin. Sodium excess may result in hypokalemia e.g. carbenicillin indanyl sodium.
6. Platelet Dysfunction: This side effect, which involves decreased agglutination, is observed with the antipseudomonal penicillin’s (carbenicillin and ticarcillin) and to some extent, with penicillin G. It is generally concerned when treating patients predisposed to hemorrhage or those receiving anticoagulants.