Ampicillin

Description

Ampicillin is an antibacterial antibiotic from the α-aminobenzyl penicillin group, which differs from penicillin by the presence of an amino group that facilitates penetration through the outer membrane of some gram-negative bacteria.

Ampicillin is Semi-synthetic derivative of penicillin that functions as an orally active broad-spectrum antibiotic.

Chemical properties

Crystalline Solid

Chemical properties

Ampicillin in anhydrous form occurs as crystals.

Originator

Binotal,Bayer,W. Germany,1962

The Uses of Ampicillin

Labelled Ampicillin. Orally active, semi-synthetic antibiotic; structurally related to penicillin. Antibacterial.

The Uses of Ampicillin

β-lactam antibiotics

The Uses of Ampicillin

Ampicillin caused contact dermatitis in a nurse also sensitized to amoxicillin (with tolerance to oral phenoxymethylpenicillin), and in a pharmaceutical factory worker.

Indications

For treatment of infection (Respiratory, GI, UTI and meningitis) due to E. coli, P. mirabilis, enterococci, Shigella, S. typhosa and other Salmonella, nonpenicillinase-producing N. gononhoeae, H. influenzae, staphylococci, streptococci including streptoc

Background

Ampicillin is a semi-synthetic derivative of penicillin that functions as an orally active broad-spectrum antibiotic.

Definition

ChEBI: A penicillin in which the substituent at position 6 of the penam ring is a 2-amino-2-phenylacetamido group.

Manufacturing Process

α-Carbobenzyloxyaminophenylacetic acid (0.1 mol), which is obtained by the reaction of equivalent quantities of α-aminophenylacetic acid and benzyl chlorocarbonate in aqueous sodium hydroxide, dissolved in dry acetone is stirred and cooled to approximately -5°C. To this there is added dropwise with continued cooling and stirring a solution of ethyl chlorocarbonate (0.1 mol). After approximately 10 minutes, the acylating mixture is cooled to about -5°C and then is slowly added to a stirred ice-cold mixture of 6-aminopenicillanic acid (0.1 mol), 3% sodium bicarbonate solution (0.1 mol) and acetone. This reaction mixture is allowed to attain room temperature, stirred for an additional thirty minutes at this temperature and then is extracted with ether.
The extracted aqueous solution is covered with butanol and the pH adjusted to 2 by the addition of HCl. The acidified aqueous phase is extracted with butanol, the pH of the aqueous phase being adjusted to pH 2 each time. The combined butanol solutions which contain the free acid, α- carbobenzyloxyaminobenzylpenicillin, are washed with water, and are then shaken with water to which sufficient 3% sodium bicarbonate has been added to bring the aqueous phase to pH 7. The process of washing and shaking is repeated with fresh water and bicarbonate solution. The combined aqueous solutions are washed with ether and then are evaporated under reduced pressure and low temperature. The product, the sodium salt of α- carbobenzyloxyaminobenzylpenicillin, is obtained as a yellow solid in a yield of 65%.
A suspension of palladium on barium carbonate (3.7 grams of 30%) in water (20 ml) is shaken in an atmosphere of hydrogen at room temperature. The catalyst is then filtered and washed well with water, care being taken that it does not become dry. A solution of the sodium salt of α- carbobenzyloxyaminobenzylpenicillin (4 grams) in water (20 ml) is added to the pretreated catalyst and the suspension is shaken in an atmosphere of hydrogen at room temperature and pressure for one hour. The catalyst is then filtered off, washed well with water, and the combined filtrate and washings adjusted to pH 7 with hydrochloric acid. The resulting solution is evaporated in vacuum at a temperature below 20°C to give α-aminobenzylpenicillin (2.4 grams, 74% yield), which is assayed at approximately 48% pure by the manometric method.

brand name

Amcill (Parke-Davis); Omnipen (Wyeth-Ayerst); Polycillin (Apothecon); Principen (Apothecon).

Therapeutic Function

Antibacterial

Mechanism of action

Ampicillin acts by interfering directly with the biosynthesis of peptidoglycan, which constitutes the major component of the bacterial cell wall, leading to structural instability and death of bacteria.

General Description

Ampicillin was synthesized by Beecham Research Laboratories in 1961 and evaluated for its anti-gram-negative activity by Rolinson et al.. It was the first semisynthetic penicillin showing strong activity against gramnegative bacilli. Although it is hydrolyzed by bacterial penicillinase, it is active against Escherichia coli, Shigella, Proteus mirabilis, and Haemophilus influenzae and is used very widely as an oral antibiotic. Ampicillin also is used by injection for serious infections.

Contact allergens

Ampicillin caused contact dermatitis in a nurse also sensitized to amoxicillin (with tolerance to oral phenoxymethylpenicillin) and in a pharmaceutical factory worker. Systemic drug reactions are common. Crossreactivity is regular with ampicillin and can occur with other penicillins.

Pharmacokinetics

Ampicillin is a penicillin beta-lactam antibiotic used in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible, usually gram-positive, organisms. The name "penicillin" can either refer to several variants of penicillin available, or to the group of antibiotics derived from the penicillins. Ampicillin has in vitro activity against gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The bactericidal activity of Ampicillin results from the inhibition of cell wall synthesis and is mediated through Ampicillin binding to penicillin binding proteins (PBPs). Ampicillin is stable against hydrolysis by a variety of beta-lactamases, including penicillinases, and cephalosporinases and extended spectrum beta-lactamases.

Side Effects

Common side effects include rash, nausea, and diarrhea. It should not be used in people who are allergic to penicillin. Serious side effects may include Clostridium difficile colitis or anaphylaxis. While usable in those with kidney problems, the dose may need to be decreased.

Safety Profile

Poison by intracerebral route. Moderately toxic by intraperitoneal route. Human systemic effects by ingestion: fever, agranulocytosis, and other blood effects. An experimental teratogen. Mutation data reported. Questionable carcinogen. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of NO, and SOx,.

Potential Exposure

Used as an antibiotic.

Veterinary Drugs and Treatments

In dogs and cats, ampicillin is not as well absorbed after oral administration as amoxicillin and its oral use has largely been supplanted by amoxicillin. It is used commonly in parenteral dosage forms when an aminopenicillin is indicated in all species.
The aminopenicillins, also called the “broad-spectrum” or ampicillin penicillins, have increased activity against many strains of gram-negative aerobes not covered by either the natural penicillins or penicillinase-resistant penicillins, including some strains of E. coli, Klebsiella, and Haemophilus.

First aid

If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least medical attention. Give large quantities of water and inducevomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts theskin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediatelywith soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. Ifthis chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure,begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR ifheart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medicalfacility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get

storage

Color Code—Green: General storage may be used.Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained onits proper handling and storage. Store in tightly closedcontainers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from strongoxidizers and moisture.

Shipping

UN3077 Environmentally hazardous substances, solid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous material, Technical Name Required.

Incompatibilities

May be incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides.

Waste Disposal

It is inappropriate and possibly dangerous to the environment to dispose of expired or waste pharmaceuticals by flushing them down the toilet or discarding them to the trash. Household quantities of expired or waste pharmaceuticals may be mixed with wet cat litter or coffee grounds, double-bagged in plastic, discard in trash. Larger quantities shall carefully take into consideration applicable DEA, EPA, and FDA regulations. If possible return the pharmaceutical to the manufacturer for proper disposal being careful to properly label and securely package the material. Alternatively, the waste pharmaceutical shall be labeled, securely packaged and transported by a state licensed medical waste contractor to dispose by burial in a licensed hazardous or toxic waste landfill or incinerator.