Penicillins and related drugs

Abstract

Penicillin was discovered by Fleming in 1929 and introduced into clinical medicine by Florey, Chain and associates. Later, with the discovery of the penicillin nucleus, 6-aminopenicillanic acid, it became possible to synthesize new penicillins by the introduction ofa thiazolidine ring, a beta-lactam ring and a side-chain. More recently, related drugs, such as penems and carbapenems, have been found in nature, and some of these are useful. Clinically. All penicillins and related drugs are beta-lactam antibiotic agents. This review includes all these compounds that are available currently in Australia plus one (imipenem/cilastatin) which may be introduced shortly. Cephalosporins and related dr..