Ampicillin
Active ingredient · 2 therapeutic classes
- Drug class
- Penicillins With Extended Spectrum
- Availability
- Prescription only
- Routes
- Intravenous, Oral, Intramuscular
- Markets covered
- 3
- Products on record
- 44
- FDA reports (12 mo)
- 405
Overview
Plain-language summary, compiled from the cited regulatory records
Ampicillin is an antibiotic belonging to the penicillin drug class with an extended spectrum [1]. It is approved for treating infections caused by susceptible microorganisms in conditions such as respiratory tract infections [1]. These infections can be caused by specific bacteria including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus (both penicillinase and nonpenicillinase-producing strains), H. influenzae, and Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci [1]. Ampicillin is also indicated for bacterial meningitis caused by E. coli, Group B streptococci, and other Gram-negative bacteria like Listeria monocytogenes and N. meningitidis [1].
In the market, ampicillin is available under various brand names [1]. There were 405 adverse event reports for ampicillin in the past 12 months [2].
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Regulator | Products | Last revision |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB United Kingdom | MHRA | 16 | May 15, 2026 |
| US United States | FDA | 5 | April 30, 2026 |
| CA Canada | Health Canada | 23 | March 22, 2025 |
GBUnited Kingdom· MHRA
16 products
Uses
Ampicillin is a broad-spectrum penicillin, indicated for the treatment of a wide range of bacterial infections caused by ampicillin-sensitive organisms. Typical indications include: ear, nose and throat infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, gonorrhoea, gynaecological infections, septicaemia, peritonitis, endocarditis, meningitis, enteric fever, gastro- intestinal infections.
Parenteral usage is indicated where oral dosage is inappropriate.
How to take
USUnited States· FDA
5 products
Uses
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Ampicillin for Injection, USP is indicated in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated organisms in the following conditions: Respiratory Tract Infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus (penicillinase and nonpenicillinase-producing), H.
influenzae, and Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. Bacterial Meningitis caused by E. Coli , Group B streptococci, and other Gram-negative bacteria ( Listeria monocytogenes, N. meningitidis ). The addition of an aminoglycoside with ampicillin may increase its effectiveness against Gram-negative bacteria.
, penicillin G-susceptible staphylococci, and enterococci. Gram-negative sepsis caused by E. Coli, Proteus mirabilis and Salmonella spp. responds to ampicillin. Endocarditis due to enterococcal strains usually respond to intravenous therapy.
The addition of an aminoglycoside may enhance the effectiveness of ampicillin when treating streptococcal endocarditis. Urinary Tract Infections caused by sensitive strains of E. Coli and Proteus mirabilis. , and Shigella spp. (dysentery) usually respond to oral or intravenous therapy.
CACanada· Health Canada
23 products
23 products on record with this regulator. Detailed label text (uses, dosage, side effects) is being ingested — the original document is linked under Sources [3].
Drug interactions
Known interactions involving Ampicillin. Select one for details. This list is informational and not a complete interaction checker.
Interaction data compiled from DDInter (academic, CC-BY). Severity classification only - this is not a complete interaction checker and not medical advice.
Sources & citations
- [1]MHRA (UK) · PL177360072 · revised July 11, 2025
- [2]FDA DailyMed · 06b1c203-600c-40… · revised January 28, 2025 [PDF]
- [3]Health Canada (DPD) · 00020877 · revised March 22, 2025
- [4]OpenFDA adverse-event reports (US), 12 months ending June 4, 2026.
Information on this page is compiled from public regulatory records. Drugvu is not affiliated with any regulator or pharmaceutical manufacturer. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.