A Comprehensive Monograph on Ampicillin (DB00415): From Molecular Structure to Clinical Practice

Executive Summary

Ampicillin is a seminal semi-synthetic, broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotic belonging to the aminopenicillin class. Developed in 1961, it represented a significant advancement over natural penicillins by extending antimicrobial coverage to include various Gram-negative pathogens. Its bactericidal action is achieved through the irreversible inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis via binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). Despite its historical importance, its clinical utility has been significantly curtailed by the global rise of bacterial resistance, primarily mediated by β-lactamase enzymes. Consequently, its use is now more targeted, often guided by susceptibility testing or used in combination with β-lactamase inhibitors like sulbactam. This monograph provides an exhaustive analysis of Ampicillin's chemical properties, pharmacology, microbiology, clinical applications, and safety profile, contextualizing its enduring, albeit diminished, role in modern antimicrobial therapy.

Section 1: Chemical Profile and Formulations

The foundational identity and physical characteristics of Ampicillin are critical to understanding its biological function, pharmaceutical development, and clinical handling. Its unique chemical structure is directly responsible for its expanded spectrum of activity compared to earlier penicillins, while its physicochemical properties dictate the specific protocols required for its safe and effective administration.

1.1 Identification and Nomenclature

A precise and standardized identification is essential for any pharmaceutical agent. Ampicillin is cataloged across numerous chemical and pharmacological databases under specific identifiers that define its structure and therapeutic class.