Penicillin, the first ß-lactam antibiotic, renders the synthesis of sensitive bacterial cell wall impossible and is thus bactericidal. Benzylpenicillin (penicillin G) is used parenterally; phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V) is not inactivated to the same degree in the stomach and is therefore used as an oral preparation. The spectrum of action contains most of the Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative cocci, different spirochaetes, and Actinomycetes israeli. Enterococci, staphylococci and Gram-negative bacili (e.g. E. coli) are usually resistant. Certain strains of gonococci and pneumococci are also resistant. Phenoxymethylpenicillin generally has more limited activity than benzylpenicillin.

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