Penicillin vs. Cephalosporin — What's the Difference?

Used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including syphilis and strep throat.

Effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Known for having a potential for allergic reactions.

Modified structurally to overcome bacterial resistance.

Can be less effective due to bacterial resistance.

Includes several generations with varying spectra of activity.

Effective against gram-positive bacteria by disrupting cell wall synthesis.

Generally causes fewer allergic reactions than penicillin.

A class of antibiotic drugs derived from Penicillium fungi.

A broad-spectrum antibiotic derived from the fungus Cephalosporium.

Penicillins (P, PCN or PEN) are a group of antibiotics originally obtained from Penicillium moulds, principally P. chrysogenum and P. rubens. Most penicillins in clinical use are chemically synthesised from naturally-produced penicillins.

The cephalosporins (sg. ) are a class of β-lactam antibiotics originally derived from the fungus Acremonium, which was previously known as "Cephalosporium".Together with cephamycins, they constitute a subgroup of β-lactam antibiotics called cephems.

An antibiotic drug obtained from molds especially of the genus Penicillium or produced synthetically, available in various preparations and usually used to treat infections caused by gram-positive bacteria.

Any of various beta-lactam antibiotics, derived from the fungus Acremonium chrysogenum or made semisynthetically, used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections.

Any of a group of broad-spectrum antibiotic drugs, synthetic or semisynthetic, that are derived from penicillin.

Any of a class of natural and synthetic antibiotics developed from Acremonium fungi, having a cepham structure.

(pharmaceutical drug) Any of a group of narrow-spectrum antibiotics obtained from Penicillium molds or synthesized, that have a beta-lactam structure and are active against gram-positive bacteria and used in the treatment of various infections and diseases.

Any of a class of chemical substances, some of which have therapeutically useful antibacterial activity, whose structure contains a beta-lactam ring fused to a six-membered ring containing a sulfur and a nitrogen atom. The first of the series, cephalosporin C, was discovered by G. Brotzu in 1955 in the culture broth of a Cephalosporium species found off the coast of Sardinia. Other cephalosporins have been found to be produced by species of soil bacteria (actinomycetes). Many semisynthetic analogs have been tested for antibacterial effect, and several of them have found use as important clinically useful antibacterial agents, some of which may be taken orally for treatment of bacterial infections. The cephalosporins are the second class of beta-lactam antibiotic to be discovered, the first being the penicillins and more recent classes being the thienamycins and sulfazecins. The cephamycins are a variant of cephalosporins with a methoxyl group on the beta-lactam ring, rendering them more resistant to penicillinases. Among the cephalosporins which have been found clinically useful are cephalexin, cephaloridine, and cephalothin.

(mycology) A blue mold of the genus Penicillium that produces penicillin.

One of several broad spectrum antibiotic substances obtained from fungi and related to penicillin (trade names Mefoxin); addition of side chains has produced semisynthetic antibiotics with greater antibacterial activity

Any of a variety of substances having a structure containing a beta-lactam ring fused to a thiirane ring, to which a carboxyl group is attached, but most commonly interpreted as benzyl penicillin. They are notable as powerful antibacterial agents of relatively low toxicity which have found extensive use in medicine for treating bacterial infections. They are categorized as one of the classes of beta-lactam antibiotic. They are produced naturally by some fungi and bacteria, and industrial production processes almost invariably start from some form of the penicillin nucleus produced by fermentation of microorganisms. The fermentation products are then chemically modified to produce derivatives of enhanced potency, safety, or antibacterial spectrum. The first penicillin to see extensive use clinically (during World War II) was penicillin G, also called benzypenicillin, and commonly simply "penicillin".

Any of various antibiotics obtained from penicillium molds (or produced synthetically) and used in the treatment of various infections and diseases

People with a penicillin allergy may sometimes take cephalosporins, but it depends on the severity of their allergy. Medical advice is essential due to potential cross-reactivity.

Cephalosporins are divided into several generations, each with a broader spectrum of activity than the last, particularly against gram-negative bacteria, with later generations also being more effective against resistant strains.

Both penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics work by disrupting the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall, leading to bacterial cell death.

Bacterial resistance occurs when bacteria evolve mechanisms to survive exposure to antibiotics that would normally kill them or inhibit their growth, making certain antibiotics less effective.

Penicillins and cephalosporins are classes of antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, with penicillins being effective primarily against gram-positive bacteria and cephalosporins covering a broader range, including gram-negative bacteria.

The main difference is their spectrum of activity; penicillin is more effective against gram-positive bacteria, while cephalosporin has a broader spectrum, effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

While both antibiotics are generally safe, they can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. It’s important to inform healthcare providers about any known allergies.

Bacterial resistance can be prevented by using antibiotics responsibly, only when necessary, and completing the prescribed course, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.

Cephalosporins are used for a wide range of infections, including more serious or resistant bacterial infections like certain urinary tract infections and pneumonia.

Yes, cephalosporins can treat certain infections that penicillin cannot, especially due to their activity against gram-negative bacteria and resistant strains.

A doctor might choose cephalosporin over penicillin for its broader spectrum of activity, particularly if the infection is caused by bacteria that are resistant to penicillin or if the patient has a penicillin allergy.

Cephalosporins can be more expensive than penicillin, especially the later generations, due to their broader spectrum of activity and the technology involved in their development.

Common infections treated with penicillin include strep throat, syphilis, and certain types of pneumonia.