PENTREXYL ® Ampicillin

PENTREXYL ® is a drug based on Ampicillin

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: General antimicrobials for systemic use - broad-spectrum penicillins

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications PENTREXYL ® Ampicillin

PENTREXYL ® is indicated in the treatment of bacterial infections of the various systems supported by both Gram + and Gram - bacteria, which are sensitive to ampicillin.

Mechanism of action PENTREXYL ® Ampicillin

Ampicillin, the active ingredient of PENTREXYL ®, is an antibiotic in the broad class of broad-spectrum penicillins, so named for their bactericidal efficacy both against Gram + and Gram bacteria -.

From the therapeutic point of view the mechanism of action remains the same as the other beta-lactam antibiotics, preventing the formation of cross-links between the various peptidoglycan molecules and thus making the bacterial cell particularly susceptible to osmotic changes so as to cause death by shock -osmotico.

Although effective against a broad spectrum of pathogenic bacteria, ampicillin remains inactive against some microorganisms responsible for nosocomial infections such as Pseudomonas, Proteus and Klebsielle as well as all those resistant drug strains able to extinguish the action of penicillins through beta lactamase.

The chemical and physical characteristics of ampicillin, such as to guarantee their classification among aminopenicillins, provide the drug with a gastro-resistance useful for allowing it to be taken orally, although less effective than the parenteral route.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. THE PREVALENCE OF AMPICILLINE BACTERIA RESISTANT BETWEEN THE CHILDREN OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Epidemiol Infect. 2012 May 30: 1-9.

An interesting epidemiological study that shows that among Korean elementary school children there is a high prevalence of beta lactamase-negative microbial strains that are however resistant to ampicillin. Among all, Haemophilus influenzae is the most feared.

2 . HARD DAMAGE FROM AMPICILLINA

Acta Gastroenterol Belg. 2012 Mar; 75 (1): 66-7.

Case report showing that in some predisposed patients ampicillin therapy may contribute to the onset of liver damage, often severe from a clinical and prognostic point of view.

3. THE MIXTURE IN THE CONTROL OF THE PULMONITES ACQUIRED IN THE COMMUNITY

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012 Mar 19. doi: 10.1002 / ppul.22534. [Epub ahead of print]

Study that demonstrates the efficacy of parenteral administration of ampicillin in the control of community acquired pneumonia among neonates and infants, making it safe and advantageous also from an economic standpoint.

Method of use and dosage

PENTREXYL ®

1 g solution for injection of Ampicillin sodium per 3 ml of solution.

The therapeutic scheme related to the use of PENTREXYL ® varies considerably according to the patient's physiopathological characteristics, the severity of the clinical picture and the presence of contextual morbid conditions.

For these reasons the dosage should be defined by your doctor, always considering intervals of intervals every 6-12 hours.

In order to avoid relapses, it is advisable to extend the antibiotic therapy up to 48 hours after the regression of the symptoms.

Warnings PENTREXYL ® Ampicillin

In order to reduce the onset of resistant strains and at the same time maintain maximum therapeutic efficacy, it would be appropriate, if the clinical conditions allow it, to isolate the germ and verify its antibiotic sensitivity before administering PENTREXYL ®.

It is useful to remember that ampicillin is inactive in the presence of penicillinase, therefore ineffective against drug-resistant microbial strains.

PENTREXYL ® is a drug with strong allergizing power, so its use should be under strict medical supervision in atopic patients.

The same caution should be reserved for elderly patients or those suffering from liver and kidney diseases, given the greater susceptibility of these to the development of side effects related to antibiotic therapy.

The possible appearance of adverse reactions should alarm the patient who, after having contacted his doctor, could consider the possibility of suspending the treatment.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

The use of PENTREXYL ® during pregnancy should be limited to cases of real need and strictly supervised by medical personnel.

The scarce presence of studies able to characterize the safety profile of ampicillin on the fetus requires the utmost attention concerning the use of this medicine during pregnancy and lactation.

Interactions

Pharmacokinetic studies show that the simultaneous intake of allopurinol and ampicillin can significantly increase the risk of adverse allergic reactions especially in predisposed patients.

Particular attention should also be given to the concomitant administration of probenecid, given the ability to increase the blood concentrations of penicillin as well as its hepatic and renal toxicity.

It would also be preferable to use contraceptive methods different from the estrogen-progestin pill during antibiotic therapy given the reduction in contraceptive efficacy.

Contraindications PENTREXYL ® Ampicillin

The use of PENTREXYL ® is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to penicillins and cephalosporins or their excipients and during pregnancy and lactation.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

The intake of ampicillin exposes the patient to the same side effects generally expected for penicillin therapy.

In addition to the onset of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, tubular and glomerular damage accompanied by urinary anomalies and proteinuria, haemolytic anemia, neutropenia, leukopenia and myeloinhibition, hypertransaminasemia and hyperbilirubinemia, lethargy, spasms, convulsions and various neurological symptoms, angioedema, pruritus, urticaria, bronchospasm, hypotension and anaphylactic shock, the patient should carefully assess the appearance of local reactions such as wheals or erythemas in the region where the injection took place.