| Ampicillin Pharmacology |
| Ampicillin |
| About Ampicillin |
| Semisynthetic Broad spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic, Aminobenzylpenicillin Antibiotic |
| Mechanism of Action of Ampicillin |
| Ampicillin is a bactericidal drug. It is a Beta lactum antibiotic. It binds to the Penicillin binding protein in the cell wall of bacteria and inhibits the enzyme transpeptidase which is responsible for the transpeptidation reaction in peptidoglycan synthesis. It also activates the endogenous enzyme which degrades the peptidoglycan.These results in inhibition of protein synthesis and there by cell wall synthesis. Ampicillin is active against both gram positive and gram negative organism. |
| Pharmacokinets of Ampicillin |
| Absorption .It is readily but incompletely absorbed after oral administration. Distribution: It is very widely distributed in the body .Metabolism: It does not undergo metabolism. Excretion: It is excreted mainly through bile and small amount excreted through urine and breast milk. |
| Onset of Action for Ampicillin |
| 30 minutes |
| Duration of Action for Ampicillin |
| 6 – 8 hours |
| Half Life of Ampicillin |
| 90 minutes |
| Side Effects of Ampicillin |
| 1.Nausea 2.Vomiting 3.Diarrhoea 4.Anaphylaxis 5.Rash 6.Urticaria 7.Thrombocytopenia 8.Nephritis 9.Seizure. |
| Contra-indications of Ampicillin |
| 1.Hypersensitivity to Penicillin |
| Special Precautions while taking Ampicillin |
| 1.Mononucleosis 2.Lymphatic leukaemia 3.HIV infections 4.Renal impairment |
| Pregnancy Related Information |
| Use with caution |
| Old Age Related Information |
| Use with caution |
| Breast Feeding Related Information |
| Use with caution |
| Children Related Information |
| N/A |
| Indications for Ampicillin |
| 1.Urinary tract infections 2.Gonorrhoea 3. Meningitis 4.SABE 5. Respiratory tract infections 6.Septicemia 7.Soft tissue infections 8.Otitis media 9.Sinusitis 10.Tetanus 11.Biliary tract nfections 12.Bronchitis 13.Salmonellosis 14.Typhoid 15.Gastroenteritis 16.Cholecystitis 17.Paratyphoid fever |
| Interactions for Ampicillin |
| Oral contraceptives: Efficacy reduced, may cause breakthrough bleeding or pregnancy. Allopurinol: Increases risk of ampicillin induced skin rash. Beta blockers: Oral penicillin like ampicillin may reduce bio-availability of atenolol. Also they may potentiate anaphylatic reactions with penicillin. Probenecid: Increases blood levels. Erythromycin, Tetracycline: Reduce efficacy. Clavulinic Acid: Synergy. Food: Interferes with absorption. |
| Typical Dosage for Ampicillin |
| ADULT Bacterial infections: 250 – 500 mg four times a day depending on the severity of infection Typhoid and paratyphoid fever: 1 – 2 g four times daily CHILDREN Bacterial infections: 125 – 250 mg four times a day depending on the severity of infection . |
| Schedule of Ampicillin |
| H |
| Storage Requirements for Ampicillin |
| Store the drug at 15 – 30 degree C in a tightly closed container. Keep out of the reach of children |
| Effects of Missed Dosage of Ampicillin |
| Take the missed dose as soon as noticed. If it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose. |
| Effects of Overdose of Ampicillin |
| Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. Absorption of the drug can be reduced by administration of activated charcoal. |