Which penicillin is readily destroyed by stomach acid?

Penicillin G is the penicillin that is readily destroyed by stomach acid. This is due to its chemical structure, which is sensitive to acidic conditions found in the stomach. Because of this sensitivity, Penicillin G is usually administered via injection rather than orally to ensure that it enters the bloodstream effectively without being inactivated by gastric acid.

Other types of penicillin, such as Methicillin, Cloxacillin, and Phenoxy methyl penicillin, have been developed with modifications that enhance their stability in acid, allowing them to be administered orally. These modifications give them the ability to withstand the acidic environment of the stomach, making them viable options for oral administration. In contrast, Penicillin G requires different routes of administration to maintain its efficacy. Understanding these differences is crucial in pharmacology and in the effective treatment of bacterial infections.