Selected Antimicrobial Information – Farm Animal
Ampicillin [Farm Animal]
Restriction Status
Unrestricted
Dose
| Species | Usage | Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Camelids | For Listeriosis | 10-20mg/kg SQ, IV, or IM q12h, can dose up to q8h for listeriosis (extra-label) |
| Cattle | Label dose | 4.4-11mg/kg IM q24h, for up to 7d |
| For respiratory infections | 22mg/kg SQ q12h (extra-label) | |
| Small Ruminants | For Listeriosis | 10-20mg/kg IV or IM q12h (extra-label) |
| Swine | Label dose | 22mg/kg SQ q12h |
Brand Name(s)
Polyflex®
Background
Ampicillin is a bactericidal, time-dependent β-lactam antibiotic with improved activity against Gram-negative organisms when compared to penicillin, though with somewhat less activity against Gram-positive organisms. Culture/susceptibility are recommended since resistance is widespread amongst Staphylococcus spp and many other pathogens. Ampicillin distributes widely through the plasma, and can cross the blood brain barrier when meninges are inflamed. It does not penetrate abscesses or sites of tissue necrosis well. Excretion is primarily in the urine.
Current Uses within OSU-VMC
- Treatment of bovine respiratory disease associated with Aerobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Pasteurella multocida, or Escherichia coli.
- Treatment of swine respiratory infections associated with Pasteurella spp.
- Treatment of swine colibacillosis (Escherichia coli enteritis).
- Treatment of Listeriosis in camelids and small ruminants.
Contraindicated Uses
- Inactivated in the presence of purulent or necrotic material (e.g. abscesses).
Illegal Uses
- None
Formulations Available within the OSU Pharmacy
- Ampicillin 1g/vial injectable suspension
- Ampicillin 500mg/vial injectable suspension
- Ampicillin NA 1g/vial injectable suspension
- Ampicillin NA 500mg/vial injectable suspension
Notes
- Culture and susceptibility recommended prior to treatment of suspected staphylococcal infections due to widespread resistance.
- Ampicillin trihydrate (Polyflex®) should not be given IV due to risk of anaphylaxis and sudden death. Ampicillin sodium is safe for IV injection.
