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Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Antistaphylococcal penicillins

Introduction

Penicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus appeared very soon after penicillin entered general clinical use in 1943, and the mechanism of resistance was the production of β-lactamase. Modifications of the penicillin molecule so that it was resistant to being broken down by β-lactamase was able to temporarily overcome this problems: these compounds became known as antistaphylococcal penicillins. The first of these compounds was methicillin, which is no longer in general use. The range of these penicillins available in each country is very different, and the reasons for this are historical.