Final answer:
Anaphylaxis is the life-threatening condition that can occur due to hypersensitivity to penicillin, and epinephrine is the drug used to counteract its effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The life-threatening condition that may result from hypersensitivity to penicillin is anaphylaxis. When an individual with a penicillin allergy is exposed to the drug, it can trigger a severe allergic reaction that involves a sudden drop in blood pressure, respiratory distress, and possibly suffocation due to swelling of the tongue and throat. This type of allergic response is known as an immediate hypersensitivity. The standard treatment for anaphylaxis is the administration of epinephrine, which helps manage the symptoms until further medical help is available.
To prevent such life-threatening scenarios, individuals known to have a penicillin allergy are advised to avoid the medication and, in some cases, carry an epinephrine autoinjector for emergency use.