Ampicillin 100ml (Ampicillin Dry Syrup)

Pronunciation

• am-pi-SIL-in

Trade Name

• Ampicillin

Classification

• Therapeutic: Antibiotic
• Pharmacologic: Penicillin

Pregnancy Category

• Category B

Indications

• Treatment of bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, meningitis, and septicemia.

Mechanism of Action

• Ampicillin inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), leading to cell lysis and death in susceptible bacteria.

Pharmacokinetics

• Absorption: Well absorbed after oral administration, but food may decrease absorption.
• Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues and fluids, including the cerebrospinal fluid when the meninges are inflamed.
• Metabolism: Partially metabolized by the liver.
• Excretion: Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine.
• Half-life: Approximately 1-1.5 hours in adults with normal renal function.

Contraindications and Precautions

• Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to ampicillin, penicillin, or any component of the formulation.
• Precautions: Use with caution in patients with a history of allergies, particularly to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other allergens; renal impairment; infectious mononucleosis (increased risk of rash); and during pregnancy and lactation.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

• Common: Rash, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
• Serious: Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, pseudomembranous colitis, and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

Interactions

• Drug-Drug: May decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives; may increase the effect of anticoagulants; allopurinol may increase the risk of rash; probenecid may decrease renal excretion, increasing blood levels.
• Food: Food may decrease the absorption of ampicillin; it is best taken on an empty stomach.

Route/Dosage

• Oral (Dry Syrup): The dosage depends on the type and severity of infection and patient factors such as age and weight. Typical dosages for adults are 250-500 mg every 6 hours. Pediatric doses are usually based on body weight.

Availability Formulations

• Ampicillin Dry Syrup: Usually provided as a powder for reconstitution, yielding a 100ml suspension when mixed with water.