Ampicillin(am pi sill’ in)
Ampicillin Sodium
Oral: Novo-Ampicillin (CAN), Principen
PREGNANCY CATEGORY B
Drug Classes
Antibiotic
Penicillin
Therapeutic Actions
Bactericidal action against sensitive organisms; inhibits synthesis of bacterial cell wall, causing cell death.
Indications
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Treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of Shigella, Salmonella, S. typhosa, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Proteus mirabilis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, enterococci, gram-positive organisms (penicillin G–sensitive staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci)
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Meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis
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Prevention of bacterial endocarditis following dental, oral, or respiratory procedures in very high-risk patients
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Unlabeled use: Prophylaxis in cesarean section in certain high-risk patients
Contraindications and Cautions
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Contraindicated with allergies to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other allergens.
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Use cautiously with renal disorders.
Available Forms
Capsules—250, 500 mg; powder for oral suspension—125 mg/5 mL, 250 mg/5 mL; powder for injection—125, 250, 500 mg, 1, 2 g
Dosages
Maximum recommended dosage, 8–14 g/day (reserve 14 g for serious infections, such as meningitis, septicemia); may be given IV, IM, or PO. Use parenteral routes for severe infections; switch to oral route as soon as possible.
Adults
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Prevention of bacterial endocarditis for dental, oral, or upper respiratory procedures in patients at high risk: 2 g ampicillin IM or IV within 30 min of procedure.
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GU infections: 500 mg every 6 hr.
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Respiratory tract infections: 250 mg every 6 hr.
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Digestive system infections: 500 mg PO every 6 hr for 48–72 hr after patient becomes asymptomatic or eradication is evident.
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STDs in patients allergic to tetracycline: 3.5 g ampicillin PO with 1 g probenecid.
Pediatric patients
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Prevention of bacterial endocarditis for GI or GU surgery or instrumentation: 50 mg/kg ampicillin IM or IV within 30 minutes of procedure. Six hours later, give 25 mg/kg ampicillin IM or IV or 25 mg/kg amoxicillin PO.
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Prevention of bacterial endocarditis for dental, oral, or upper respiratory procedures in patients at high risk: 50 mg/kg ampicillin IM or IV within 30 min of procedure.
Adults and pediatric patients
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Respiratory and soft-tissue infections:
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40 kg or more: 250–500 mg IV or IM every 6 hr.
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Less than 40 kg: 25–50 mg/kg/day IM or IV in equally divided doses at 6- to 8-hr intervals.
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20 kg or more: 250 mg PO every 6 hr.
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