Penicillin potassium, also known as penicillin K, is a potassium salt of penicillin. It is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
Chemical formula: C16H17KN2O4S
Properties:
- White to off-white crystalline powder
- Soluble in water and slightly soluble in ethanol
- Stable in alkaline solutions, but unstable in acidic solutions
Mechanism of action:
- Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell lysis and death
- Effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
Uses:
- Treatment of bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, septicemia, and meningitis
- Used in combination with other antibiotics to treat severe infections
Note: Penicillin potassium is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic, meaning it is effective against a specific range of bacteria. It is not effective against viral infections or fungal infections.
Precautions:
- Hypersensitivity to penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics
- Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver disease
- May interact with other medications, such as blood thinners and certain antibiotics
