Ampicillin
Benjamin Clanner-Engelshofen is a freelance writer in the medical department. He studied biochemistry and pharmacy in Munich and Cambridge / Boston (USA) and noticed early on that he particularly enjoyed the interface between medicine and science. That is why he went on to study human medicine.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.The active ingredient ampicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic from the group of (amino) penicillins. It can be used for a variety of bacterial infections and is well tolerated, but it causes severe allergic reactions in patients with a penicillin allergy. Here you can read everything you need to know about the effects of ampicillin, dosage and use.
This is how ampicillin works
Like other penicillins, ampicillin affects the formation of the cell wall of bacteria. In order to be able to divide and multiply, bacteria must constantly dissolve their cell wall in places and form anew. Ampicillin binds specifically to the bacterial enzymes that rebuild the cell wall and ensure its strength. In therapy with ampicillin, the bacteria are not killed, but only hindered in their division and reproduction; this is referred to as a bacteriostatic effect. The immune system can master the intruders who are unable to divide and ultimately kill them off.
After taking ampicillin, about 30 to 60 percent of the active ingredient is absorbed through the intestinal mucosa. Maximum blood levels are reached around two hours after ingestion. Most of the antibiotic is excreted unchanged in the urine. About an hour after ingestion, half of the active ingredient left the body in this way.
When is ampicillin used?
Ampicillin is used to treat many bacterial infections, such as infections:
- in the area of the throat, nose and ears (ENT area),
- the kidneys and urinary tract,
- the gastrointestinal tract,
- the eyes and
The antibiotic should only be used for a short time to prevent the bacteria from becoming insensitive (resistant) to it.
This is how ampicillin is used
Ampicillin is usually taken in pill form. In the case of inpatient therapy in the hospital, it can also be administered as an injection or infusion.
Due to the rapid excretion of the active ingredient, the tablets must be taken three to four times a day. This is the only way to achieve a constant level of active ingredients in the body. The dosage depends on age, body weight and other parameters and ranges from two to six grams of ampicillin. The duration of therapy is usually seven to ten days, but should be continued for at least two to three days after the symptoms have subsided.
Ampicillin is often combined with a so-called beta-lactamase inhibitor such as sulbactam. This increases the effectiveness of the antibiotic on bacterial strains that can break down penicillins into ineffective metabolic products.
What are the side effects of ampicillin?
In more than one in ten patients, the antibiotic resolves nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and skin reactions with itching and redness. Since the latter indicates an allergic reaction, it is imperative to call a doctor if this side effect occurs.
Changes in liver enzyme values, dizziness, headaches and other non-specific side effects are less common.
What should be considered when taking ampicillin?
Some other active substances may interact with ampicillin.
For example, taking medication for gout (probenecid, allopurinol) at the same time can lead to higher ampicillin blood levels and an increased risk of skin reactions.
Coumarin-type anticoagulants (phenprocoumon, warfarin) may have an increased effect when combined with ampicillin.
The drug methotrexate, which is used in rheumatoid arthritis, various types of cancer and autoimmune diseases, is inhibited in its excretion when it is combined with ampicillin. This increases the levels of methotrexate in the body, which can also increase the adverse drug effects.
Another important interaction exists between ampicillin and hormonal contraceptives ("the pill"). If these medicines are used together, even if they are staggered, the contraceptive effect of the pill is not guaranteed. It should therefore also be contraceptive in a non-hormonal way, for example with a condom.
Although studies in pregnant women have shown no harmful effects on the child, the active ingredient ampicillin should be used with caution during pregnancy. It also passes into breast milk, which is why breastfeeding should not be carried out while taking it. Overall, the following applies: The use of the antibiotic during pregnancy and breastfeeding should only be carried out after a careful risk-benefit assessment by the attending physician.
If the kidney function is impaired, the dose of ampicillin may have to be reduced, depending on the kidney function.
Ampicillin can also be used in newborns, children and adolescents in appropriately reduced doses for the treatment of bacterial infections. It should be noted, however, that children under the age of six often have problems swallowing tablets. Other forms of administration should be used here.
How to get drugs with ampicillin
Medicines with ampicillin can be obtained from the pharmacy according to a doctor's prescription.
How long has ampicillin been known?
Ampicillin was launched on the market by the British pharmaceutical company Beecham in 1961. Before that, only so-called gram-positive bacteria could be treated with penicillins. In addition, the active ingredients had to be administered as a syringe or infusion. The active ingredient ampicillin, on the other hand, as a broad spectrum antibiotic is also effective against gram-negative bacteria and can be used in the form of tablets.
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