Ampicillin: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Respiratory Tract Infections

Ampicillin is an established treatment for upper and lower respiratory tract infections (such as bronchitis, sinusitis, otitis media, and community-acquired pneumonia) caused by susceptible strains of organisms including non-penicillinase-producing Streptococcus pneumoniae, other streptococci, non-penicillinase-producing Staphylococcus aureus, and Haemophilus influenzae.

Genitourinary Tract Infections

Ampicillin is indicated for urinary tract infections caused by susceptible strains of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and enterococci. Ampicillin is also FDA-labeled for uncomplicated gonorrhea (non-penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae) as a single large oral dose combined with probenecid, although current gonorrhea treatment guidelines now favor ceftriaxone-based regimens because of widespread penicillin resistance.

Gastrointestinal Infections

Ampicillin is established therapy for gastrointestinal infections caused by susceptible strains of Shigella, Salmonella typhi and other Salmonella species, Escherichia coli, and enterococci, where local susceptibility testing supports its use; resistance among Shigella and Salmonella isolates is common in many regions, so culture and sensitivity results should guide therapy where possible.

Meningitis

Ampicillin is indicated for bacterial meningitis caused by susceptible strains of Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae. Because empiric meningitis therapy must cover organisms that may not be susceptible to Ampicillin alone, Ampicillin is typically given as part of a combination regimen with another antibacterial agent (such as a third-generation cephalosporin) until the causative organism and its susceptibility are confirmed.

Septicemia and Endocarditis

Ampicillin is indicated for septicemia and endocarditis caused by susceptible strains of streptococci, enterococci, and non-penicillinase-producing staphylococci. For enterococcal endocarditis and other serious enterococcal infections, guideline-supported therapy requires combining Ampicillin with a synergistic agent (an aminoglycoside, or in specific regimens a second cell-wall-active agent such as ceftriaxone) rather than using Ampicillin alone.

Listeria monocytogenes Infection

Ampicillin is a guideline-preferred drug of choice for infections caused by susceptible strains of Listeria monocytogenes, including listerial meningitis and sepsis; for severe or central nervous system infection, Ampicillin is usually combined with an aminoglycoside (such as gentamicin) for synergy, rather than used as monotherapy.

Endocarditis Prophylaxis (Adjunct Use)

In patients at high risk of infective endocarditis who require antibiotic prophylaxis before certain dental or surgical procedures and who cannot take oral medication, intravenous or intramuscular Ampicillin is a guideline-supported alternative to oral amoxicillin, given as a single dose shortly before the procedure.

The dose, route, frequency, and duration of Ampicillin vary considerably by indication, infection severity, patient age and weight, and renal function, and must be determined by a qualified healthcare professional; the regimen used for one infection is not necessarily appropriate for another. Take Ampicillin exactly as prescribed by your physician; do not stop, extend, skip doses, or share Ampicillin with others without medical advice, and complete the full prescribed course even if symptoms improve early.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Skin rash (including a distinctive non-allergic maculopapular rash that occurs much more frequently when Ampicillin is given to patients with acute infectious mononucleosis/Epstein-Barr virus infection or certain leukemias — see Precautions and Warnings)
• Sore mouth or tongue, or oral thrush

Serious Side Effects (Seek Medical Attention)

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction to Ampicillin, such as hives, swelling of the face/lips/throat, wheezing, or difficulty breathing (anaphylaxis)
• Severe or persistent watery or bloody diarrhea, which may indicate Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea or colitis, and can occur even weeks after stopping Ampicillin
• Severe skin reactions such as blistering, peeling skin, or widespread rash (rare, possible Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis)
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or unusual tiredness, which may indicate liver injury
• Unusual bruising, bleeding, sore throat, fever, or pallor, which may rarely indicate a blood disorder
• Seizures, especially in patients with renal impairment or those receiving high intravenous doses