The active substance ampicillin is an antibiotic from the large group of penicillins. Due to its broad spectrum of action, ampicillin is successfully used against a whole range of infections caused by bacteria.
What is ampicillin?
The active ingredient ampicillin is an antibiotic from the large group of penicillins. Because of its broad spectrum of activity, ampicillin is used successfully to treat a wide range of infections caused by bacteria. Ampicillin is a bacterial-inhibiting drug and belongs to the semisynthetic 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-shaped 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 gastric tract undamaged without being attacked by gastric acid. Therefore, this antibiotic is usually taken in tablet form.
Pharmacological action
Bacteria reproduce like body cells by 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 structure that inhibit the cell wall formation of the bacteria – so-called beta-lactams. Bacteria contain a certain enzyme that is largely involved in the synthesis – i.e. the building – of new cell walls. The beta-lactams contained in the drug dock onto this enzyme and thus block its receptors. The enzyme is now permanently and irreversibly deactivated. The bacteria are unable to build intact cell walls and can no longer divide. The active ingredient ampicillin therefore does not kill bacteria, but prevents cell division and thus their multiplication. The human immune system is now able to kill the pathogen that is no longer able to divide and to eliminate it via the metabolism. Taken in tablet form, 30-60% of the amino-penicillin is absorbed by the intestinal mucosa and passes into the bloodstream. The unabsorbed portion of the drug is excreted in the urine within a short time.
Medical use and application
Ampicillin is used to treat bacterial infections that do not respond to conventional antibiotics. Therapy with ampicillin is promising for a variety of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. These include infections of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, ear, nose and throat (ENT), kidneys, or biliary and urinary tracts. However, inflammations of the reproductive organs and the skin as well as the eyes are also among the areas of application. Ampicillin is also used for prophylactic, i.e. preventive, treatment during surgery or dental treatment to prevent the development of germs in advance. The active ingredient ampicillin is usually administered in tablet form. If the patient is hospitalized, it can also be administered via intravenous or intramuscular injections and infusions. Ampicillin must be taken several times a day, as the drug is quickly excreted by the body. This is the only way to ensure a constant level of the active substance. The average duration of treatment is 10 days. In most cases, an initial improvement in the general condition is noticeable just a few hours after taking the drug – and the symptoms of the disease also subside significantly. However, even after the symptoms have completely subsided, intake must be continued for a few days to prevent recurrence of the disease and to counteract future resistance.
Risks and side effects
Compared with other broad-spectrum antibiotics such as amoxicillin, ampicillin is less well tolerated when taken orally. This has mainly to do with the fact that a high proportion of the drug remains in the intestine, where it exerts a negative influence on the natural intestinal flora. The intestinal flora of healthy people consists of beneficial microbacterial pathogens that regulate and promote digestive processes. If the intestinal flora is damaged by exposure to the drug, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea may occur.As with all penicillins, there is a possibility of allergy with ampicillin. Skin reactions such as itching and redness are among them. Very rarely, anaphylactic shock may occur, which manifests itself in breathing difficulties and severe cardiovascular reactions, among other symptoms. Very rarely, skin changes, changes in blood counts, inflammation of the kidneys and blood vessels, or swelling of the larynx.
