Description:

Ampicillin Injection  is a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections caused by susceptible organisms. It is effective against Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria and is commonly used for respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, meningitis, septicemia, endocarditis, and infections in neonates or immunocompromised patients. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to bacterial death.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (Rx).

Therapeutic Category:

Antibacterial / Beta-lactam antibiotic / Penicillin (broad-spectrum penicillin).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

Active ingredient: Ampicillin sodium equivalent to Ampicillin 500 mg or 1 g per vial (standard strengths). It is supplied as a sterile powder for reconstitution with Water for Injection or suitable diluent.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant: Powder for injection in 500 mg or 1 g vials (commonly 500 mg or 1 g per vial; ESKAY brand often available in 500 mg vials).

Consume Type:

Parenteral (intramuscular or intravenous injection after reconstitution; not oral—oral ampicillin exists separately).

Directions/Usage: Administered only by healthcare professionals.

• Adults: Usual dose 500 mg to 1 g every 6 hours (IM or IV).
• Severe infections: Up to 2 g every 4–6 hours (IV).
• Children: 50–100 mg/kg/day in divided doses (every 6 hours).
• Neonates: Lower doses with longer intervals. Reconstitute with sterile Water for Injection as per label. Use immediately after reconstitution or within recommended time if stored. Duration depends on infection type and response (usually 7–14 days). Follow doctor’s exact instructions.

Common Side Effects:

• Pain or swelling at injection site (IM)
• Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting
• Skin rash
• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, anaphylaxis in hypersensitive patients) Serious rare: Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea, blood disorders, seizures (high doses in renal impairment).

Package Type:

Glass vial containing sterile powder (500 mg or 1 g); often supplied as single vial or in packs with or without diluent.

Storage Advice: Store unopened vials at room temperature (below 25–30°C), protected from light. After reconstitution: Use immediately or store in refrigerator (2–8°C) and use within 24–48 hours depending on concentration and diluent. Do not freeze.

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated in patients with known penicillin or beta-lactam hypersensitivity (risk of anaphylaxis).
• Caution in renal impairment (dose adjustment required).
• Monitor for allergic reactions (have epinephrine available during first dose).
• Not for viral infections (e.g., common cold).
• Pregnancy: Generally safe (Category B). Breastfeeding: Compatible but monitor infant for diarrhoea or rash.
• Report rash, severe diarrhoea, or breathing difficulty immediately.
• Complete full course to prevent resistance.

Product Substitutes: Other ampicillin injections in Ghana: Generic ampicillin (various importers), Ampiclox (ampicillin + cloxacillin), or brands from Kinapharma, Dannex, or Entrance. Alternatives: Amoxicillin injection, ceftriaxone, or other beta-lactams depending on infection and sensitivity.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Eskay Therapeutics / Eskay Lab (often associated with Eskay brand in Ghana; manufactured by a generic producer and marketed locally).

Country of Origin:

India (common source for generic ampicillin injections imported and marketed in Ghana under various brands including Eskay).