Ampicillin
Trade name: Penbritin
Class: Antibiotic "Broad-spectrum penicillin'
Pregnancy: (Category B)
Action: Inhibit cell wall synthesis, some act by
binding to penicillin binding protein in the cytoplasmic membrane of the
bacteria.
Uses:
• Respiratory, urinary & GI tract infections & other
infection due to ampicillin sensitive organisms.
• Meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis.
Dose
By
mouth, 0.25–1 g every 6 hours, at least 30 minutes before
food; CHILD under 10 years, half adult dose. Urinary-tract
infections, 500 mg every 8 hours; CHILD under 10 years, half adult dose.
By intramuscular injection or intravenous
injection or infusion, 500
mg every 4–6 hours; CHILD under 10 years, half adult dose
Listerial meningitis (in combination with another
antibiotic), by
intravenous infusion, 2 g every 4 hours for 10–14 days; INFANT under 1
month, 50 mg/kg every 6 hours; 1–3 months,
50–100 mg/kg
every 6 hours; child 3 months–12 years, 100 mg/kg every 6 hours (max. 12 g daily)
Contraindications:
•
Hypersensitivity to penicillins.
•
Use cautiously with renal
disorders.
Side effects:
•
Allergic: skin rashes,
pruritis, wheezing, fever…. .
•
Diarrhea, abdominal cramp
pain, nausea, vomiting.
•
Psendomembranous colitis,
thrombocytopenia, leukopnea
Thrombophlebitis + Electrolytes imbalance following I.V. use.
Hepatotoxicity.
I.M.
injection may cause pain at the injection site. Nursing considerations:
§ After reconstitution for I.M., I.V. administration, the solution
must be used within the hour.
§ I.V. administration should be given slowly within 3-5 minutes or
by infusion.
§ I.M. injections are made deeply into the gluteal muscle.
§ Assess regularly for allergic reactions. If reaction occurs the
drug must be discontinued immediately, Epinephrine ‘O2’ antihistamines +
corticosteroids must be immediately available.
§ Detain client in an ambulatory care site for at least 20 min
after administering Penicillin.
§ After injection because rate of absorption should not be
increased.
§ Complete
entire prescribed course of therapy.
