Ampicillin Info

Generic Name: Ampicillin Capsules (am-pih-SILL-in)
Brand Name: Principen

Treating infections caused by certain types of bacteria.

Ampicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. It works by killing sensitive bacteria by interfering with formation of the bacteria's cell wall while it is growing. This weakens the cell wall and it ruptures resulting in the death of the bacteria.

Ampicillin is one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics. It is considered a penicillin and is a close relative of another penicillin, amoxicillin. Unlike penicillin, ampicillin and amoxicillin can penetrate and prevent the growth of certain types of bacteria, called gram-negative bacteria. Ampicillin is used mainly to treat infections of the middle ear, sinuses, bladder, kidney, and uncomplicated gonorrhea. It also is used intravenously to treat meningitis and other serious infections. Ampicillin was approved by the FDA in 1963.