Difference Between Penicillin and Cyclosporine

Penicillin and Cyclosporine

Penicillin and Cyclosporine are two major medications that are used to treat different conditions of the body. However, there are important differences between the two. Let’s find out what they are:

· Penicillin is actually an antibiotic that works against a variety of infections like those of staphylococcus. It was widely used against a number of infections like syphilis which were considered serious till only recently.

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant drug. This means that it works to reduce the efficacy of the immune system for the time being. It is commonly used during organ transplants so that the body does not reject the transplanted organ. The difference between the two is that the drugs are used for different purposes.

· Penicillin is usually effective against streptococcal infections that are present without bacterimia. They may be used in mild or moderate infections that relate to the upper respiratory tract. It was also used against scarlet fever and erysipelas. However, it is mainly effective against streptococcus belonging to the A, C, G, H and L groups. Other groups like D are resistant to it.

Cyclosporine may be used as a prophylaxis during kidney or liver transplants. It is also used for the same purpose during heart allogenic transplants. Cyclosporine is also used together with corticosteroids and azathioprine. The medication is also used for arthritis patients who have failed to respond to other medications. It is also used for symptom management in patients with psoriasis.

· The two medications also vary as regards the dosage that is administered. It is usually 9+/-3 mg for every kg on a per day basis for cyclosporine.

Penicillin is usually administered according to the severity of the infection. It is usually prescribed as doses of 125 to 250 mg every 8 hours for a period of 10 days. In Pneumococcal infections the dosage may be increased between 250 and 500 mg. If your doctor is using penicillin as a prophylaxis, he may also prescribe it in doses of 125 to 250 mg on a per day basis.

· The medications also vary according to the side effects they create. The reactions to penicillin, especially in the oral form, are rare. However, some patients may suffer from nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or other forms of gastric reactions. Skin eruptions also occur in some. Rare patients may very rarely go into an anaphylactic shock due to hyper sensitivity.

Cyclosporine treatment may lead to tremors, hirsuitism or renal dysfunction. Almost 50% of patients suffer from hypertension. Some patients also report glomerular capillary thrombosis.

Summary:

· Penicillin is an antibiotic that is used to treat infections as well as prophylaxis. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant drug that is used to prevent organ transplant rejection by the body.

· Penicillin tackles streptococcus and pneumococcal infections. Cyclosporine is used during organ transplants.

· The two medications also vary in the doses that are administered.

· The side effects for cyclosporine are more serious compared to the usual ones for penicillin.

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