Question 1

What is Ampicillin used for?

Accepted Answer

Ampicillin is indicated for: bacteremia, Bacterial infection, erysipelas, listeriosis, Respiratory, Respiratory infections, soft tissue infections, Surgical prophylaxis, Susceptible bacterial infections.

Question 2

What routes can Ampicillin be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: PO, IV, IM, SC.

Question 3

Which species have cited Ampicillin dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Ampicillin dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 6 species: African Grey Parrot, Cat (Domestic), Cattle (Beef/Dairy), Dog (Domestic), Horse (Equine), Swine (Pig).

Question 4

Is Ampicillin a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

Ampicillin is not federally scheduled as a controlled substance, but is veterinary prescription only in most jurisdictions.

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Ampicillin?

Accepted Answer

CONTRAINDICATED in rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters (fatal dysbiosis). May cause GI upset. Cross-reactivity with other beta-lactams. IM injection may be painful.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Ampicillin?

Accepted Answer

CONTRAINDICATED in rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters (fatal dysbiosis). May cause GI upset. Cross-reactivity with other beta-lactams. IM injection may be painful.

Question 7

How does Ampicillin work?

Accepted Answer

Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins. Broader spectrum than penicillin G with gram-negative coverage.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	IV	20–40 mg/kg	q6-8h	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)	PO	10–20 mg/kg	q6-8h	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Ampicillin

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Ampicillin dosing data (9 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 9 dose rules

Backed by 3 published primary sources

Sample dosing (2 of 9 cited rules)

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