Penicillin is derived from the Penicillum fungi and is a part of a group of antibiotics. The penicillin group of antibiotics was historically one of the first antibiotics that were effective against disorders like syphilis and infections caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. Although penicillin is still widely used today, many kinds of bacteria have now become resistant to it. The antibiotic is itself composed of a common fungal mold called Penicillium chrysogenum. This fungal mold is commonly found in households and on food. This fungal mold naturally produces the penicillin antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. This process of penicillin production by the fungal mold is actually a natural evolutionary advantage. It is thus not to be confused with a simple byproduct that is part of a process. Instead, the Penicillium mold has an evolutionary advantage over bacteria and thus competes against it naturally for food. Penicillin is thus specifically used to treat bacterial infections. Penicillin destroys bacteria by causing the cell walls of bacteria to dissolve and subsequently dispersing its cell systems and cytoplasm. A part of the bacterial cell wall allows the penicillin molecules to attach themselves to it. The penicillin then activates and destroys the bacterial cells. Though several strains of bacteria have now evolved to become resistant to penicillin, penicillin simultaneously evolves to combat bacteria at new levels. For instance, penicillin evolved to work with chemicals like aminoglycosides to help destroy bacterial cells. Along with this chemical, penicillin also prevents protein synthesis and organelle reproduction in the bacterial cells.
Penicillin is used to treat several kinds of bacterial infections. These infections include infections of the heart, dental infections, middle ear infections, scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, lower and upper respiratory tract infections and skin infections. However, it is important to note that penicillin is only effective against certain kinds of bacteria and it is ineffective against fungal infections and parasites and viruses. Viral infections or infections by parasites like worms thus cannot be treated with the help of penicillin. Consult your doctor about the exact dosage of penicillin and about its effectiveness in treating a specific condition, before you decide on a course of treatment involving penicillin. The dosage of penicillin is usually taken on an empty stomach as it can be absorbed better at this time. However, it can also be taken on a full stomach and ensure that you follow the instructions specific to your treatment for each dosage of the antibiotic.
answered by G M