Ampicillin is a penicillin derivative used for the treatment of a variety of infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as some anaerobes. It is commonly prescribed for conditions such as respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and bacterial meningitis, among others.
Structure of Ampicillin
Drug Class of Ampicillin
Ampicillin belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics, which are beta-lactam antibiotics. These drugs are characterized by their ability to inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis, making them effective in fighting bacterial infections.
It is classified under aminopenicillins, a subclass of penicillins that have a broader spectrum of activity compared to traditional penicillins.
Uses of Ampicillin
- Respiratory Tract Infections
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Sinusitis
These infections are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Cystitis (bladder infection)
- Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
UTIs are caused by susceptible bacteria, such as Escherichia coli.
- Gastrointestinal Infections
- Salmonella and Shigella infections.
- Meningitis
- Bacterial meningitis (caused by organisms like Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis).
- Endocarditis
Dosage of Ampicillin
Adult
250–500mg 4 times daily.
Continue therapy for 3 days when symptoms get better
Children
<20kg: 50–100mg/kg per day in 3–4 divided doses.
≥20kg: as adult.
Continue therapy for 3 days when symptoms improve.
Dosage Forms
The dosage forms available for ampicillin include oral capsules, liquid suspensions, and also a powder that can be administered as an injection form.
Side Effects of Ampicillin
Common Side effects of Ampicillin include:
- Acute inflammatory skin eruption (erythema multiforme)
- redness and peeling of the skin (exfoliative dermatitis)
- rash
- hives
- fever
- seizure
- black hairy tongue
- diarrhea
- inflammation of the small intestine and colon
- inflammation of the tongue
- nausea
- yeast infection in the mouth (oral candidiasis/thrush)
- Swelling or inflammation of the large intestine/colon
- inflammation of the mouth
- vomiting
- low white blood cell count (agranulocytosis)
- anemia
- Low red blood cell count (anemia)
- High white blood cell count (eosinophilia)
- reduction of white blood cells (leukopenia)
- Acute allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
- inflammation in the kidney
- noisy breathing
- allergic reaction
- headache
- vaginal itching or discharge
- dark urine
- easy bruising or bleeding
- persistent sore throat or fever
Contraindications of Ampicillin
Don’t use it in certain conditions or situations:
- Allergy to Penicillin
- Severe Renal Impairment
- Mononucleosis
- Pregnancy and Lactation
Interactions with Food
Food can alter the absorption of ampicillin. Food may slightly delay the absorption of ampicillin but does not affect its efficacy. Alcohol does not directly interfere with ampicillin’s effectiveness but can increase the side effects like nausea, dizziness, and stomach upset.
Interactions with Other Drugs
It may interact with other medications, which can either increase or decrease its effectiveness.
- Reduce Efficacy of oral contraceptives.
- Anticoagulants (Warfarin) – Increase Bleeding Risk
- Allopurinol – Increased Risk of Rash
- Probenecid – can slow the elimination of ampicillin from the body.
Popular Brand Names and Specifications
Here is a table of some popular brand names for ampicillin, along with their specifications:
| Brand Name | Dosage Forms | Strength | Uses |
| Omnipen | Oral Capsules, IV | 250mg, 500mg | Respiratory and urinary infections |
| Principen | Oral Capsules, IV | 250mg, 500mg | Meningitis, endocarditis |
| Amcill | Oral Tablets, IV | 250mg, 500mg | UTIs, gastrointestinal infections |
| Totacillin | Oral Tablets, IV | 250mg, 500mg | Pneumonia, bronchitis |
| Ampicilina | Oral Syrup, IV | 125mg/5ml | Sinusitis, tonsillitis |
Conclusion
Ampicillin is an effective and widely used antibiotic that belongs to the penicillin class. It treats a variety of bacterial infections, from respiratory conditions to UTIs and gastrointestinal diseases. Always make an appointment with a doctor before starting ampicillin.
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