Ampicillin is indicated for-

• Respiratory Tract Infections caused by S. pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase and non penicillinase-producing), H. influenzae and Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococci.
• Bacterial Meningitis caused by E. coli, Group B Streptococci, and other Gram-negative bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes, N. meningitidis).
• Septicemia and Endocarditis caused by susceptible organisms.
• Urinary Tract Infections caused by sensitive strains of E. coli and Proteus
  mirabilis.
• Gastrointestinal Infections caused by Salmonella typhi, other Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp.

Respiratory infections	UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)	Septicemia
Meningitis	Endocarditis	Gastrointestinal Infection

Ampicillin is available as capsules, powder for suspension and injection.

Intra-articular:
Supplement in systemic therapy for treatment of susceptible infections-

• Adult: 500 mg daily.
• Child: <10 yr Half of adult routine dosage.

Intraperitoneal:
Supplement in systemic therapy for treatment of susceptible infections-

• Adult: 500 mg daily.
• Child: <10 yr Half of adult routine dosage.

Intrapleural:
Supplement in systemic therapy for treatment of susceptible infections-

• Adult: 500 mg daily.
• Child: <10 yr Half of adult routine dosage

Intravenous:
Meningitis-

• Adult: 2 gm 6 hrly.
• Child: 150 mg/kg daily in divided doses.

Intrapartum prophylaxis against group B Streptoccocal infection in neonates-

• Adult: Initially, 2 gm via IV inj followed by 1 gm 4 hrly until delivery.

Oral:
Biliary tract infections, Bronchitis, Endocarditis, Gastroenteritis, Listeriosis, Otitis media, Perinatal streptococcal infections, Peritonitis-

• Adult: 0.25-1 gm 6 hrly.
• Child: <10 yr Half of adult routine dosage.

Typhoid and paratyphoid fever-

• Adult: 1-2 gm 6 hrly for 2 wk in acute infections, and 4-12 wk in carriers.

Uncomplicated gonorrhoea-

• Adult: 2 gm with 1 gm of probenecid as single dose, recommended to be repeated in female patients.

Urinary tract infections-

• Adult: 500 mg 8 hrly.

Parenteral:
Susceptible infections-

• Adult: 500 mg 6 hrly, via IM or slow IV inj over 3-5 min or by infusion.
• Child: <10 yr Half of adult routine dosage.

Septicaemia-

• Adult: 150-200 mg/kg daily. Initiate with IV admin for at least 3 days, then continue with IM inj 3-4 hrly. Continue treatment for at least 48-72 hr after the patient has become asymptomatic or when there is evidence of bacterial eradication. Recommended treatment duration for infections caused by group-A β-haemolytic streptococci: At least 10-days, to prevent occurrence of acute rheumatic fever or acute glomerulonephritis.
• Child: Same as adult dose.

Patients with insufficient creatinine clearance may require dose adjustment.

How to reconstitute ampicillin powder for suspension:

Powder For Suspension

The side effects of ampicillin are mild and resolve upon dose withdrawal. The most common side effects are-

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Angioedema
• Anemia
• Pseudomembranous colitis
• Liver problems

Diarrhea	Nausea	Vomiting	Anemia
Angioedema	Pseudomembranous collitis	Liver problems	Rash

Some patients may show hypersensitivity reactions to ampicillin. In such cases treatment should be stopped immediately.