Penicillin side effects

Penicillin is one of the best drugs in the world. An accidental discovery made by Alexander Fleming changed the entire face of antibiotic treatment. There have been many drugs that have been discovered before and even after the invention of penicillin but only a few drugs are as essential as penicillin. Antibiotics are certain chemical substances that are either derived from an organism or are produced from it. There are many kinds of antibiotics and even penicillin has many types. These numerous varieties of penicillin are used to cure a wide range of bacterial infections that occur in the human body.

Penicillin has the honor of being the first antibiotic discovered in the world. It was discovered by Alexander Fleming in the year 1928 from Pennicillum by an accident. But it was no mere accident. This accident stands as one among historical mistakes such as the mistake by which Charles Goodyear discovered the vulcanization of rubber and also the mistake that lead to the creation of Pepsi, the popular soft drink. However, not all the people in the world are satisfied with penicillin. Though it is a very safe drug, there are times when they produce side effects. But these side effects do not occur to everybody.

The most common side effects that have been reported by the usage of penicillin are hypersensitivity or allergic reactions. According to an estimate, almost 3% - 10% of the entire population is allergic towards penicillin. In spite of the presence of numerous types of penicillins, if a person turns out to be allergic to any one type, he will be allergic to the others as well. Such people will also show greater sensitivity to cephalosporin antibiotics. There are also other side effects caused by penicillin such as anaphylaxis, mild diarrhea, head ache, vomiting, sore tongue or mouth, vaginal discharge or itching and appearance of white patches on the tongue or mouth.

Anaphylaxis is a very severe allergic reaction that leads to skin rash, difficult breathing, itching, shock and even unconsciousness. The early indications of anaphylaxis are flushing and a feeling of warmth. Parenteral administration, more than oral usage, of penicillin mostly leads to anaphylaxis. Sometimes even severe stomach or abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, bloating and pain are caused by penicillin. The other side effects caused by penicillin are fever, increase in thirst, nausea, vomiting, weakness, loss of weight, unusual bleeding and seizures. If one or more of these signs occur during the time when a person uses penicillin, it is best if he stops the usage of the drug.
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