ampicillin
Last reviewed 01/2018
Ampicillin is active against certain Gram positive and negative organisms but is inactivated by penicillinases produced by Staph.aureus, a third of E.coli and a tenth of H.influenzae. Ampicillin is poorly absorbed and absorption is decreased by food in the gut.
Cautions:
- history of allergy
- renal impairment
- RASHES COMMON IN GLANDULAR FEVER AND IN CHRONIC LYMPHATIC LEUKAEMIA
Contra-indications:
- penicillin hypersensitivity
Side-effects:
- nausea
- diarrhoea
- rashes
- pseudomembranous colitis
- see also 'penicillins (general side-effects)'
Routes of administration:
- oral
- capsules
- syrups
- i.m. injection
- Slow iv injection
- i.v. infusion
Ampicillin is also available as an injection or suspension with cloxacillin under the trade names 'Ampiclox' and 'Ampiclox Neonatal'.
ampicillin/cloxacillin preparations