Did penicillin work on whooping cough?

Penicillin is not effective against whooping cough, which is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. While penicillin can treat a variety of bacterial infections, whooping cough requires specific antibiotics like azithromycin or clarithromycin for effective treatment. These antibiotics help reduce the severity and duration of the illness, especially if administered early in the infection. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent whooping cough.