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Penicillin (Oral Route, Injection Route, Intravenous Route, Intramuscular Route)
Drug Information provided by: MicromedexUS Brand Names
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Canadian Brand Names
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Description
Penicillins are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. They work by killing the bacteria or preventing their growth.
There are several different kinds of penicillins. Each is used to treat different kinds of infections. One kind of penicillin usually may not be used in place of another. In addition, penicillins are used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. They are sometimes given with other antibacterial medicines (antibiotics). Some of the penicillins may also be used for other problems as determined by your doctor. However, none of the penicillins will work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
Penicillins are available only with your doctor's prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, penicillins are used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
- Chlamydia infections in pregnant women—Amoxicillin and ampicillin
- Gas gangrene—Penicillin G
- Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis or peptic ulcer disease—Amoxicillin
- Leptospirosis—Ampicillin and penicillin G
- Lyme disease—Amoxicillin and penicillin V
- Typhoid fever—Amoxicillin and ampicillin
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
- Tablet
- Powder for Suspension
- Capsule
- Powder for Solution
- Suspension
- Solution
- Tablet, Chewable
- Tablet for Suspension
- Tablet, Extended Release
- Syrup
