Ampicillin:

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5.      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.

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