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
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)
Meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis
Prevention of bacterial endocarditis following dental, oral, or respiratory procedures in very high-risk patients
Unlabeled use: Prophylaxis in cesarean section in certain high-risk patients
Contraindications and Cautions
Contraindicated with allergies to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other allergens.
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
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.
GU infections: 500 mg every 6 hr.
Respiratory tract infections: 250 mg every 6 hr.
Digestive system infections: 500 mg PO every 6 hr for 48–72 hr after patient becomes asymptomatic or eradication is evident.
STDs in patients allergic to tetracycline: 3.5 g ampicillin PO with 1 g probenecid.
Pediatric patients
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.
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
Respiratory and soft-tissue infections:
40 kg or more: 250–500 mg IV or IM every 6 hr.
Less than 40 kg: 25–50 mg/kg/day IM or IV in equally divided doses at 6- to 8-hr intervals.
20 kg or more: 250 mg PO every 6 hr.
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