Ampicillin is an antibacterial drug and belongs to the semi-synthetic beta-lactam antibiotics. It is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria . Numerous gram-negative rod pathogens also respond well to the active ingredient.

Since ampicillin can be used against a wide range of different pathogens, it is one of the so-called broad -spectrum antibiotics . Ampicillin is particularly effective against infections with gram-negative rod-like pathogens, because these have a natural resistance to conventional penicillins.

Chemically, the active ingredient belongs to the amino penicillins. Ampicillin is acid stable and passes through the gastrointestinal tract without being damaged by gastric acid . Therefore, this antibiotic is usually taken in tablet form.

Pharmacological action

Like body cells, bacteria multiply through continuous cell division. If the cells are in the division phase, new cell walls must be constantly formed. The drug ampicillin intervenes in this process. The active ingredient has structures in its chemical composition that inhibit the cell wall formation of the bacteria – so-called beta-lactams.Bacteria contain a specific enzyme that plays a key role in the synthesis – i.e. the construction – of new cell walls. The beta-lactams contained in the drug dock onto this enzyme and thus block its receptors. Now the enzyme is permanently and irreversibly deactivated. The bacteria are unable to build intact cell walls and can no longer divide.

The active ingredient ampicillin does not kill bacteria, but prevents cell division and thus their proliferation. The human immune system is now able to kill the pathogen that is no longer capable of dividing and eliminate it via the metabolism. Taken in tablet form, 30-60% of the amino penicillin is absorbed by the intestinal mucosa and enters the bloodstream . The non-absorbed part of the active substance is excreted in the urine within a short time.

Medical Application & Use

Ampicillin is used to treat bacterial infections that do not respond to conventional antibiotics. Therapy with ampicillin is promising for a large number of acute and chronic inflammations . These include infections of the respiratory tract , the gastrointestinal tract, the ear, nose and throat (ENT) area, the kidneys or the bile and urinary tract .

But also inflammations of the sexual organs and the skin as well as the eyes belong to the areas of application. Ampicillin is also used for prophylactic, i.e. preventive treatment during surgical interventions or dental treatments, in order to prevent the development of germs in advance. The active ingredient ampicillin is usually administered in tablet form. In the case of an inpatient hospital stay, administration via intravenous or intramuscular injections and infusions is also possible.

Ampicillin must be taken several times a day because the drug is quickly eliminated from the body. This is the only way to ensure a constant level of active ingredients. The duration of treatment is 10 days on average. In most cases, a first improvement in general well-being is noticeable just a few hours after taking it – the symptoms of the disease also subside significantly.

However, even after the symptoms have completely disappeared, the intake must be continued for a few days in order to prevent the disease from reoccurring and to counteract future resistance.

Risks & side effects

Compared to other broad spectrum antibiotics such as amoxicillin , ampicillin is less well tolerated when taken orally. This is mainly due to the fact that a high proportion of the drug remains in the intestine and has a negative impact on the natural intestinal flora.The intestinal flora of healthy people consists of useful microbacterial pathogens that regulate and promote digestive processes . If the intestinal flora is damaged by the effects of the drug, nausea , vomiting or diarrhea can occur. As with all penicillins , there is also the possibility of allergy to ampicillin .

This includes skin reactions such as itching and redness . Very rarely, anaphylactic shock can occur, which manifests itself in breathing difficulties and severe cardiovascular reactions. Skin changes, changes in the blood count, inflammation of the kidneys and blood vessels or swelling in the larynx area are very rare.