Ampicillin

Definition

Ampicillin is a broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ampicillin is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
2. It is commonly used to treat infections such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, and meningitis.
3. Ampicillin can be administered orally or intravenously.
4. Resistance to ampicillin can occur through the production of beta-lactamase enzymes by bacteria.
5. Its mechanism of action involves the inhibition of penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) which are crucial for bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Review Questions

Related terms

Penicillin:

A group of antibiotics that includes penicillin G and V, known for their effectiveness against Gram-positive bacteria.

Beta-lactamase: An enzyme produced by some bacteria that breaks down beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillin and ampicillin.

Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs): Proteins located in the bacterial cell membrane involved in the final stages of synthesizing and remodeling the bacterial cell wall.