AMPICILLIN 500mg Injection/Powder for

What is AMPICILLIN 500mg

AMPICILLIN 500mg Injection is a sterile powder formulation of ampicillin, a broad-spectrum, beta-lactam antibiotic from the penicillin family. It is presented in a dry vial form and must be reconstituted with an appropriate diluent before administration. Ampicillin is widely utilized for treating moderate to severe bacterial infections, particularly in hospital settings. It is effective against Gram-positive organisms such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Gram-negative organisms like Escherichia coli and Haemophilus influenzae.

• Generic Name: Ampicillin
• Form: Injection (Powder for Reconstitution)
• Uses: Treats respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, bacterial meningitis, and septicemia, among others.

Because it is administered intravenously or intramuscularly, AMPICILLIN Injection is particularly valuable when a rapid, high blood concentration of antibiotic is required, or when oral administration is not possible.

How to use AMPICILLIN 500mg

The correct administration of AMPICILLIN 500mg Injection ensures maximum effectiveness and minimizes complications. Here's a detailed guide on its usage:

• Reconstitution: Reconstitute the powder using sterile water for injection or an appropriate diluent as directed by the manufacturer. Ensure the solution is clear and free from particulates.
• Administration Routes: Can be administered via intravenous (IV) injection, intravenous infusion, or intramuscular (IM) injection depending on the infection severity and clinical condition of the patient.
• Timing: It should be given at evenly spaced intervals to maintain consistent blood levels.
• Technique: Use aseptic techniques during reconstitution and administration to avoid contamination.
• Precautions: Always check the patient for any history of penicillin allergy before administering. Monitor for immediate hypersensitivity reactions during and after administration.

It is crucial that AMPICILLIN Injection is used according to medical instructions to avoid the development of bacterial resistance and to achieve the best therapeutic outcome.

Mode of Action AMPICILLIN 500mg

AMPICILLIN exerts its bactericidal effect by interfering with the synthesis of the bacterial cell wall. The detailed mechanism includes:

• Binding: Ampicillin binds to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside the bacterial cell wall.
• Inhibition: It inhibits the transpeptidation or cross-linking step of peptidoglycan synthesis, which is critical for bacterial cell wall strength and integrity.
• Cell Wall Weakness: The disruption of the cell wall structure leads to osmotic instability and cell lysis.
• Selective Toxicity: Since human cells do not have cell walls, ampicillin selectively targets bacterial cells without harming human tissues directly.

By targeting cell wall synthesis, AMPICILLIN is particularly effective against actively growing and dividing bacteria, providing rapid clearance of infections when used appropriately.

AMPICILLIN 500mg Interactions AMPICILLIN 500mg

AMPICILLIN can interact with various medications and substances, influencing its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Important interactions include:

• Allopurinol: Concurrent use increases the risk of ampicillin-induced skin rashes.
• Oral contraceptives: Ampicillin may reduce the efficacy of hormonal birth control methods; alternative contraception is recommended.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): May enhance the anticoagulant effect, increasing bleeding risk.
• Other Antibiotics: Bacteriostatic antibiotics such as tetracyclines may interfere with the bactericidal effect of ampicillin.
• Aminoglycosides: In vitro mixing can cause mutual inactivation; if both are required, they should be administered separately.

Always inform the healthcare provider about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, before starting AMPICILLIN therapy to prevent adverse interactions.

Dosage of AMPICILLIN 500mg

The dosage of AMPICILLIN Injection varies depending on the type, location, and severity of the infection, as well as the patient's age and renal function:

• Adults: Typically 250-500mg every 6 hours via IV or IM injection.
• Severe Infections: Doses may be increased up to 1-2g every 4-6 hours based on the clinical judgment of the physician.
• Children: Dose adjusted according to body weight (commonly 25-50mg/kg/day divided into multiple doses).
• Neonates: Special dosing considerations with extended dosing intervals due to immature renal function.

Renal impairment necessitates dose adjustments to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity. Therapy should be continued for at least 48-72 hours beyond symptom resolution and bacterial eradication.

Possible side effects of AMPICILLIN 500mg

While generally well-tolerated, AMPICILLIN Injection can cause several side effects:

• Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and pseudomembranous colitis (rare but serious).
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: Rash, pruritus, urticaria; anaphylaxis is rare but life-threatening and requires immediate intervention.
• Hematologic: Reversible anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and neutropenia may occur with prolonged use.
• Hepatic: Transient elevations in liver enzymes (AST, ALT); hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice are very rare.
• Local Reactions: Pain and inflammation at the injection site with IM use.

Any signs of severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat) necessitate urgent medical care.

AMPICILLIN 500mg Contraindications AMPICILLIN 500mg

AMPICILLIN Injection is contraindicated under the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity: Patients with a known allergy to penicillins, cephalosporins, or beta-lactam antibiotics should not use ampicillin due to the risk of severe allergic reactions.
• Infectious Mononucleosis: Ampicillin administration during Epstein-Barr virus infections is associated with a high incidence of skin rash.
• Severe Renal Impairment: Requires cautious use or alternative antibiotic choice due to altered pharmacokinetics and risk of toxicity.

A thorough patient history regarding drug allergies is essential before initiating therapy with AMPICILLIN Injection.

Storage of AMPICILLIN 500mg

Proper storage of AMPICILLIN Injection is critical to maintain its potency and safety:

• Unreconstituted Vials: Store at room temperature (15-25°C), protected from excessive heat, light, and moisture.
• After Reconstitution: The reconstituted solution should be used immediately. If storage is necessary, refrigerate and use within the time frame specified by the manufacturer (usually within 24 hours).
• Handling: Discard any unused reconstituted solution after the expiration period to avoid risks of infection or reduced efficacy.
• Child Safety: Keep vials out of the reach of children at all times.

Always check the product label for specific storage instructions provided by the manufacturer and ensure compliance for safe and effective use.