Penicillins can induce contact dermatitis, contact urticaria,
and systemic and sometimes severe reactions. Occupational
sensitivity to penicillins concerns health workers, workers
in the pharmaceutical industry, and veterinaries, since
these antibiotics are used by veterinarians and cattle breeders
as medications and animal feed antibiotic. All penicillins
contain the 6-aminopenicillanic acid moiety. Penicillins
of G, V, A, and M groups are characterized by a specific C7
side chain. Cross-reactivity is possible between several
penicillins, but is not systematic since both immediateand
delayed-type sensitivity can implicate the 6-aminopenicillanic
acid moiety, or be specific to the 7-side-chain.
Poison by intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes. Moderately toxic by intravenous route. Human reproductive effects by ingestion: abortion. Human systemic effects by intramuscular route: dermatitis. Experimental reproductive effects. Has been implicated in aplastic anemia. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of NOx and SOx
