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Ampicillin is referred to as semi-synthetic penicillin. It has a broad spectrum of bactericidal activity. Ampicillin works by stopping the synthesis of the cell wall of bacteria that are harmful to our health.
It is highly active against Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes and many strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, resistant to natural penicillin. It acts four times (in some cases up to eight times) more strongly than benzyl penicillin on gram-negative bacteria (Haemophilus influenzae, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli). It has a weaker effect on gram-positive bacteria than benzyl penicillin.
Ampicillin it is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in 30-40%, taking ampicillin with a meal inhibits its absorption. Ampicillin When taken orally as tablets, maximum blood levels are reached after about 2 hours.
Ampicillin it is also given intramuscularly as sodium salt. Unfortunately, this way administration of ampicillin it is very painful for the patient. In case of administration of ampicillin parenterally, its maximum concentration is achieved approximately 45–60 minutes after administration.
Ampicillin – properties and action
Ampicillin it is used in the treatment of many diseases. It is used in healing: sepsis, meningitis, in the prevention of infections caused by group B streptococci, in endocarditis, in the treatment of infections with Shigella spp. and Salmonella spp. treatment actinomycosis, gonorrhea or typhoid.
Less and less ampicillin used is in the therapies of the urinary and respiratory systems.
Ampicillin – side effects
Ampicillinjust like any substance ingested by our body, it can cause side effects. The most common negative effects of taking ampicillin problems with the digestive system are included: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting. These problems mainly affect children and elderly patients.
Taking ampicillin in some cases it leads to pseudomembranous enteritis. The occurrence of this symptom, as well as acute, long-term diarrhea, is a clear signal to discontinue the preparation containing ampicillin.
In patients taking ampicillin There are also rashes: urticaria (allergic origin) and maculopapular erythema. Erythema is very common in patients suffering from mononucleosis (65-100 percent) and leukemia (90 percent).
Preparations based on ampicillin cannot be administered to patients who are hypersensitive to penicillin. Due to the excess side effects, patients suffering from infectious mononucleosis, lymphoblastic leukemia and cytomegaly should avoid taking ampicillin.
In the case of pregnant patients, taking preparations containing ampicillin it is allowed in exceptional circumstances, when absolutely necessary. Ampicillin it crosses the placental barrier, reaching dangerously high levels in the blood of the fetus. Ampicillin penetrates into breast milk. Can be used during breastfeeding after consulting a doctor.