Penicillin G. Computer model of a molecule of the antibiotic drug penicillin G,also known as benzylpenicillin (formula: C16H18N2O4S). The atoms are colour-coded: carbon (blue),hydrogen (white),nitrogen (light blue),oxygen (red) and sulphur (yellow). This was the first penicillin,isolated from the mould Penicillium sp. in 1940,but most of this family of drugs are synthetic. Penicillin G is best given by injection,and is used to treat throat and ear infections,pneumonia and meningococcal meningitis. Some people are allergic to the penicillin drugs,and their use prompts symptoms including a rash,itching and possibly even anaphylactic shock,which can be fatal |