What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of penicillin?

Penicillin is an effective antibiotic that can prevent various bacterial infections, but the disadvantage is that overuse of penicillin may lead to a decreased effectiveness. This antibiotic works by stopping the growth of bacteria, according to WebMD.

Penicillin may not be safe for patients who have asthma, kidney disease, a blood clotting disorder, or another type of allergy. Penicillin does not treat viral infections such as flu or common cold. Diarrhea is a common side effect of penicillin. Another disadvantage of penicillin is that it may make oral birth control less effective, which may result in unplanned pregnancy.