Penicillin: A Miracle Drug for Treating Common Illnesses

Likely one of the most prominent and widely used antibiotics in modern medicine, penicillin is a miracle drug used to treat a range of common illnesses. From infections and wounds to more serious issues, penicillin has been used to effectively treat myriad types of bacterial illnesses throughout the world since its discovery in 1928.

How Does Penicillin Work?

Penicillin works by targeting and killing off the source of an infection which is a type of bacteria called a “penicillin-sensitive” bacteria. This bacteria dies when it is exposed to penicillin and the dead bacteria are removed from the body, allowing the body’s natural healing process to begin. Penicillin inhibits the growth of the penicillin-sensitive bacteria, thus stopping the infection from growing and becoming worse.

Common Uses for Penicillin

Penicillin is used to treat a range of illnesses from mild to more serious. Some common conditions that are treated effectively with penicillin treatments are: pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infection, sinus infections, strep throat, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.

Penicillin has also been used to treat more serious illnesses such as bacterial meningitis, endocarditis, and sepsis. In some cases, penicillin is also used as a preventative measure for vulnerable individuals prior to medical procedures, to prevent infections caused by exposure to penicillin-sensitive bacteria.

Penicillin is one of the safest and most effective treatments available and it can be used to treat a range of conditions, from the most mild to the most severe. It is an invaluable part of modern medicine and has saved the lives of countless people.