Antibiotic Penicillin: Ampicillin Ampicillin Sodium Ampicillin
Antibiotic Penicillin: Ampicillin Ampicillin Sodium Ampicillin
Antibiotic Penicillin: Ampicillin Ampicillin Sodium Ampicillin
Oral: Ampicin (CAN), Apo-Ampi (CAN), Novo-Ampicillin (CAN), Nu-Ampi (CAN), Penbritin (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, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus
influenzae, Proteus mirabilis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, enterococci, gram-positive organisms (penicillin G
sensitive staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci)
Meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis
Unlabeled use: Prophylaxis in cesarean section in certain high-risk patients
Dosage & route
Maximum recommended dosage, 814 g/day (reserve 14 g for serious infections, such
asmeningitis, septicemia); may be given IV, IM, or PO. Use parenteral routes for severe infections; switch to
oral route as soon as possible.
ADULTS AND PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
Respiratory and soft-tissue infections:
> 40 kg: 250500 mg IV or IM q 6 hr.
< 40 kg: 2550 mg/kg/day IM or IV in equally divided doses at 68 hr intervals.
> 20 kg: 250 mg PO q 6 hr.
< 20 kg: 50 mg/kg/day PO in equally divided doses q 68 hr.
GI and GU infections, including women with N. gonorrhoeae:
> 40 kg: 500 mg IM or IV q 6 hr.
< 40 kg: 50100 mg/kg/day IM or IV in equally divided doses q 68 hr.
> 20 kg: 500 mg PO q 6 hr.
< 20 kg: 100 mg/kg/day PO in equally divided doses q 68 hr.
Gonococcal infections: 500 mg q 6 hr for penicillin-sensitive organism or for patients > 45 kg, single dose of
3.5 g PO with 1 g probenecid.
Bacterial meningitis: 150200 mg/kg/day by continuous IV drip and then IM injections in equally divided
doses q 34 hr.
Septicemia: 150200 mg/kg/day IV for at least 3 days, then IM q 34 hr.
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
Prevention of bacterial endocarditis for GI or GU surgery or instrumentation: 50 mg/kg ampicillin IM or IV
with 1.5 mg/kg gentamicin 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: 50 mg/kg ampicillin IM
or IV within 30 minutes of procedure.
Adverse effects
CNS: Lethargy, hallucinations, seizures
CV: CHF
GI: Glossitis, stomatitis, gastritis, sore mouth, furry tongue, black hairy tongue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, enterocolitis, pseudomembranous colitis, nonspecific hepatitis
GU: Nephritis
Hematologic: Anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, prolonged bleeding time
Hypersensitivity: Rash, fever, wheezing, anaphylaxis
Local: Pain, phlebitis, thrombosis at injection site (parenteral)
Other: Superinfectionsoral and rectal moniliasis, vaginitis
Contraindications and cautions
Contraindicated with allergies to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other allergens.
Use cautiously with renal disorders.
Nursing considerations
Assessment
History: Allergies to penicillins, cephalosporins, or other allergens; renal disorders; lactation
Physical: Culture infected area; skin color, lesion; R, adventitious sounds; bowel sounds; CBC, LFTs, renal
function tests, serum electrolytes, Hct, urinalysis
Interventions
Culture infected area before treatment; reculture area if response is not as expected.
Check IV site carefully for signs of thrombosis or drug reaction.
Do not give IM injections in the same site; atrophy can occur. Monitor injection sites.
Administer oral drug on an empty stomach, 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals with a full glass of water; do not
give with fruit juice or soft drinks.
Teaching points
Take this drug around-the-clock.
Take the full course of therapy; do not stop taking the drug if you feel better.
Take the oral drug on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals; do not take with fruit juice or
soft drinks; the oral solution is stable for 7 days at room temperature or 14 days refrigerated.
This antibiotic is specific to your problem and should not be used to self-treat other infections.
You may experience these side effects: Nausea, vomiting, GI upset (eat frequent small meals),diarrhea.
Report pain or discomfort at sites, unusual bleeding or bruising, mouth sores, rash, hives, fever, itching, severe
diarrhea, difficulty breathing