Benzylpenicillin is another term for which penicillin subgroup?

• A. Amoxicillin
• B. Ampicillin
• C. Benzylpenicillin
• D. Cloxacillin

Answer: (C)

Benzylpenicillin is Penicillin G, the natural penicillins group. The name comes from the benzyl side chain in Penicillin G, which is the prototype natural penicillin used for susceptible organisms. It’s typically given by injection because it’s inactivated by stomach acid, and it contrasts with other subgroups like aminopenicillins (amoxicillin, ampicillin) and penicillinase-resistant penicillins (cloxacillin). So the term benzylpenicillin identifies the Penicillin G natural penicillin.