General description
Chemical structure: ß-lactam
Application
Ampicillin is a semi-synthetic derivative of penicillin that
functions as a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It has been used to study antibiotic
resistance and penetration limitations, the synergy between multiple
antibiotics, certain bloodstream infections, and has been used to develop PCR
assays to detect resistance genes in cerebrospinal fluid.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Mode of Action: This is a ß-lactam antibiotic that inhibits
bacterial cell-wall synthesis by inactivating transpeptidases on the inner
surface of the bacterial cell membrane.
Mode of Resistance: Administration with ß-lactamase cleaves the ß-lactam ring
of Ampicillin and inactivates it.
Antimicrobial Spectrum: Includes both gram-positive (similar to
benzylpenicillin) and gram-negative bacteria (similar to tetracyclines and
chloramphenicol.
Preparation Note
Ampicillin is reported as slightly soluble in water,
practically insoluble in alcohol, chloroform, ether and fixed oils but soluble
in dilute acids or bases. The solution should not be autoclaved; a stock
solution should be sterilized through filtration and stored frozen, where it
will be stable for months.
Other Notes
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated
place, hygroscopic.
Disclaimer
This product has been reported stable as supplied at 25°C at
43% and 81% relative humidity for six weeks. Additional studies have shown that
the stability of Ampicillin in solution is a function of pH, temperature and
the identity of the buffer. It′s activity is quickly lost when stored above pH
7. Optimal storage conditions are suggested as 2-8°C, and pH 3.8-5 where its
activity was retained at 90%+ for a week.
