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Penicillins are antibiotics (medicines used to treat infections caused by microorganisms). There are several types of Penicillins, each used to treat different kinds of infections, such as skin infections, dental infections, ear infections, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and other infections caused by bacteria. These drugs will not work for colds, flu, and other infections caused by viruses.
Examples of Penicillins are Penicillin V (Beepen-VK, Pen-Vee K, V-cillin K, Veetids) and Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Polymox, Trimox, Wymox). Penicillins are sometimes combined with other ingredients called Beta-lactamase Inhibitors, which protect the penicillin from bacterial enzymes that may destroy it before it can do its work. The drug Augmentin, for example, contains a combination of Amoxicillin and a beta-lactamase Inhibitor, Clavulanic Acid.
Penicillins are available only with a physician's prescription. They are sold in capsule, tablet (regular and chewable), liquid, and injectable forms.