The semisynthetic penicillins

The discovery of penicillin early in this century revolutionized medical care. Although penicillin enjoyed remarkable success against various bacterial agents, emerging bacterial resistance has limited its effectiveness. Other antibiotic agents have since been developed, but the development of the semisynthetic penicillins has prevented the penicillins from becoming obsolete. The semisynthetic penicillins have improved coverage and effectiveness against a wide range of organisms, including most streptococcal and staphylococcal species, aerobic gram-negative organisms, and many anaerobic organisms. The semisynthetic penicillins can be administered either orally or parenterally and in many cases are less costly to administer than other antibiotics. The semisynthetic penicillins can be used singly in most situations, but when treating highly resistant organisms, such as pseudomonas, combined therapy with an aminoglycoside may be required. In obstetrics and gynecology, the semisynthetic penicillins are used in surgical prophylaxis, intra-amniotic infection, mastitis, endometritis, and other pelvic infections.