Ampicillin
Ampicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic belonging to the aminopenicillin family. It is closely related to amoxicillin but is less well-absorbed orally. It works by interfering with the bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to cell death. It is effective against both Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria.
Dosage by Body Weight
Adult oral dose is typically 250 mg to 500 mg taken every 6 hours, on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals). Pediatric doses are weight-based (usually 50 to 100 mg/kg/day divided into 4 doses). Always complete the full course of treatment.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Consult a pediatrician
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Neonates and young infants require precise clinical evaluation; doses are usually administered intravenously or intramuscularly.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 62.5 mg to 125 mg per dose
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Equivalent to 2.5 mL to 5 mL of 125mg/5mL oral suspension. Administer on an empty stomach.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 100 mg to 200 mg per dose
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Adjust dosage depending on infection severity. Ensure child drinks plenty of water.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 125 mg to 250 mg per dose
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Higher end of dose range is used for more severe infections like otitis media or pneumonia.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 200 mg to 375 mg per dose
- Frequency
- Every 6 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Do not exceed the maximum recommended daily pediatric dose of 100 mg/kg/day for mild-to-moderate infections.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Consult a pediatrician | Use only if prescribed | Neonates and young infants require precise clinical evaluation; doses are usually administered intravenously or intramuscularly. |
| 5-7 kg | 62.5 mg to 125 mg per dose | Every 6 hours | Equivalent to 2.5 mL to 5 mL of 125mg/5mL oral suspension. Administer on an empty stomach. |
| 8-10 kg | 100 mg to 200 mg per dose | Every 6 hours | Adjust dosage depending on infection severity. Ensure child drinks plenty of water. |
| 11-15 kg | 125 mg to 250 mg per dose | Every 6 hours | Higher end of dose range is used for more severe infections like otitis media or pneumonia. |
| 16-20 kg | 200 mg to 375 mg per dose | Every 6 hours | Do not exceed the maximum recommended daily pediatric dose of 100 mg/kg/day for mild-to-moderate infections. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections (including bronchopneumonia), urinary tract infections, meningitis, salmonellosis, and endocarditis.
Generic Name
AmpicillinBranded Drug Names
Ampicillin is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.