MECILLINAM Meaning and
Definition
-
Mecillinam is an antibiotic medication that falls under the class of penicillins. It is used primarily for the treatment of various bacterial infections, particularly those caused by gram-negative bacteria. Mecillinam works by inhibiting the growth and spread of bacteria in the body, thereby helping the immune system to eliminate the infection.
This antibiotic is specifically effective against urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by certain susceptible bacteria. It exhibits a high level of activity against Escherichia coli, which is one of the most common bacterial strains associated with UTIs. Mecillinam specifically targets the penicillin-binding protein (PBP2) in the bacterial cell wall, preventing the synthesis and repairing of the peptidoglycan layer. This disrupts the integrity of the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell death and bacterial eradication.
Mecillinam is available in various formulations, including oral tablets and injectable forms, allowing for flexible administration depending on the severity and site of infection. The drug is generally well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Allergic reactions to mecillinam can occur, although they are relatively rare.
It is essential to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by a healthcare professional, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the complete eradication of the infection. As with any antibiotic, the inappropriate or excessive use of mecillinam can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, highlighting the importance of responsible medication usage.
Common Misspellings for MECILLINAM
- necillinam
- kecillinam
- jecillinam
- mwcillinam
- mscillinam
- mdcillinam
- mrcillinam
- m4cillinam
- m3cillinam
- mexillinam
- mevillinam
- mefillinam
- medillinam
- mecullinam
- mecjllinam
- meckllinam
- mecollinam
- mec9llinam
- mec8llinam
- meciklinam
Etymology of MECILLINAM
The word "Mecillinam" is derived from its chemical name, which is "methylthiazolylpenicillin".
The term "penicillin" originates from the Latin word "penicillus", which means "paintbrush". This name was chosen because the fungus Penicillium, from which penicillin is derived, has a brush-like appearance.
The word "methyl" refers to the methyl group in the chemical structure of Mecillinam, which is a specific arrangement of atoms.
"Thiazolyl" refers to the thiazole ring, which is a five-membered heterocyclic compound containing nitrogen and sulfur atoms.
Therefore, "Mecillinam" is a combination of these components to specify the exact chemical composition and structure of the drug.
