What is Ampicillin?
Ampicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, including pneumonia, strep throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and skin infections. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria by interfering with their cell wall formation. Ampicillin is typically administered orally or intravenously and is often prescribed for patients who are allergic to penicillin but still require antibiotic treatment.
What is Ampicillin used for?
Ampicillin is a broad-spectrum, semi-synthetic beta-lactam antibiotic belonging to the penicillin class. It was first synthesized in 1961 as an extension of penicillin’s properties and has since become a widely used medication for treating various bacterial infections. Ampicillin exerts its antibacterial effects by inhibiting cell wall synthesis in susceptible bacteria, ultimately leading to their death or inhibition.
The drug is effective against a range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Ampicillin’s efficacy against these pathogens makes it particularly useful in treating urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and gastrointestinal infections. The medication is typically administered orally or intravenously, and its bioavailability can be enhanced by the presence of food.
In some cases, ampicillin may also be used as a component of combination therapy for more complex bacterial infections. However, antibiotic resistance to ampicillin has become increasingly prevalent among certain bacteria in recent years, particularly E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. As such, its effectiveness can vary greatly depending on the specific pathogen and local epidemiology.
Ampicillin side effects
• Diarrhea • Nausea and vomiting • Abdominal pain • Headache • Dizziness • Rash • Hives • Itching • Blood in urine • Fever • Allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) • Rare: liver damage, blood disorder (agranulocytosis), and Clostridium difficile infection.
Disclaimer
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