Final answer:
Penicillin, essential in the treatment of bacterial infections, can cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals. Alternative antibiotics have been developed due to penicillin allergies and antibiotic resistance. Healthcare professionals must be cautious in prescribing antibiotics to prevent the rise of 'superbugs'.
Step-by-step explanation:
Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928 and has since been instrumental in treating various bacterial infections, saving countless lives. However, the use of penicillin is not without risks. Approximately 5% of the population is allergic to penicillin, and their reactions can be severe, potentially leading to fatal outcomes such as a coma if the drug is inadvertently administered. Due to these concerns and the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, healthcare providers emphasize the importance of correctly labeling antibiotics.
Alternative antibiotics have been developed as a result of microbial synthesis, chemical modifications, or complete chemical synthesis to address these issues and combat bacterial resistance. Among these are aureomycin, streptomycin, and chloramphenicol, all of which are effective in destroying infectious microorganisms by blocking protein synthesis.
It is necessary for healthcare professionals to exercise caution when prescribing antibiotics and to ensure they are necessary and appropriate before doing so. This is to avoid contributing to the development of antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs' that could outpace our ability to develop new treatments.