What characteristic of Penicillin G is important to note?

Penicillin G is a crucial antibiotic in the treatment of various bacterial infections, and an important characteristic to note is that it is inactivated by stomach enzymes. This characteristic is significant because it impacts the mode of administration for the drug. Penicillin G is not stable in the acidic environment of the stomach, which means that, if taken orally, much of the drug would be broken down before it could reach systemic circulation and exert its therapeutic effects. As a result, Penicillin G is typically administered via injection (intravenously or intramuscularly) to ensure that effective concentrations are achieved in the body. This route bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and protects the drug from degradation by stomach enzymes, allowing for effective treatment of infections. Understanding this stability factor is essential for healthcare providers when considering appropriate antibiotics for patient care.