Ampicillin

dr.joan

5. Ampicillin:
Trade name: Penbritin
Class: Antibiotic "Broad-spectrum penicillin'
Pregnancy: (Category

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.