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

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.

Home Delivery for Ampicillin in Your City

Medicine India is just a publishing medium for medicine related information and does not provide services or sales of medicines including ampicillin.

However, we do publish a comprehensive directory of Pharmacies, Chemists and Druggists in cities all over India. You can use this directory to find the medicine stores in your city (or area) that provide home delivery services for ampicillin and other medicines and health products. Home delivery services for ampicillin may be free or they may cost you depending on the pharmacy and the minimum order requirements. It would be best to get this clarified while placing the order.

Please be aware that you should take ampicillin only if a doctor has recommended or prescribed it. Some or all pharmacies who provide a home delivery service for medicines might insist on a prescription for ampicillin before they complete the sale. You can get this information while placing the order for ampicillin with the pharmacy.

Ampicillin is a generic medicine name and there are several brands available for it. Some of the brands for ampicillin might be better known than ampicillin itself. If the pharmacy that's willing to deliver medicines to your home doesn't have ampicillin in stock, you can ask for one of the branded alternatives for ampicillin.