Ampicillin (Ampicillin)
Overview of Ampicillin
Almost 70 years ago, Alexander Fleming reported his discovery of penicillin in 1929. Chain, Flory and their associates succeeded in producing significant quantities of the first penicillins from the cultures of Penicillium notatum in 1940. Ten years later virtually unlimited quantities of penicillin G were available for clinical use. Penicillin is derived directly or indirectly from strains of fungi of the genus Penicillium and other soil inhibiting fungi grown on special culture media. Penicillins are active against most bacteria especially gram positive pathogen (streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci), some negative starins (gonococci, meningoccocci), some spirochetes and some fugi. The structure of penicillin consists of a thiazolidine ring connected to a ß lactam ring, which is attached to a side chain. Ampicillin is a semisynthetic pencillin derived from the basic penicillin nucleus 6-aminopenicillanic acid. Ampicillin is a bactericidal penicillin and effective against a variety of gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Antibiotics require constant drug level in body for therapeutic effect.it inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to one or more of the penicillin binding proteins (PBPs) This is achieved by taking the drug at regular intervals of time throughout the day and night as prescribed. Ampicillin is important to take the drug for the full time period as prescribed. If you discontinue the drug it may result in ineffective treatment. Ampicillin is effective against typhoid fever.
Indication of Ampicillin
Ampicillin is primarily indicated in conditions like Bacterial infections, Biliary tract infections, Bronchitis, Cellulitis, Endocarditis, Enterocolitis, Gonorrhoea, Listeriosis, Lower respiratory tract infections, Meningitis, Metastatic colorectal cancer, Muscle relaxation (long duration) for surgery and intubation, Muscle relaxation (short duration) for surgery, Osteomyelitis, Otitis media, Pelvic inflammatory disease, Pharyngitis, Pyelonephritis, Septicaemia, Sinusitis, Tonsillitis, Upper respiratory tract infections, Urethritis, Urinary tract infection, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Haemophilus influenzae infections, Inflammatory bowel disease, Inflammatory bowel disease (unlicensed use), Uncomplicated community acquired pneumonia.
Contraindication of Ampicillin
Ampicillin is contraindicated in conditions like Lymphoma,Glandular fever,Hypersensitivity.
Side Effects of Ampicillin
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Ampicillin, which give rise to further complications include Urticaria, Eosinophilia, Leucopenia, Neutropenia, Seizures, Agranulocytosis, Hemolysis.,Ampicillin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Anaphylactoid reactions. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Ampicillin therapy.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Ampicillin are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Headache, Anorexia, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Maculopapular rash, Gastritis, Elevation of liver enzymes, Nausea and vomiting, Anemia, Interstitial nephritis, Bullous rash.
Precautions of Ampicillin
Ampicillin should be used with caution in patients with any other illness or any allergy especially to penicillin or other antibiotics. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or lactation.