Ampicillin for Cattle
Ampicillin is used in cattle for bacteremia, Bacterial infection, erysipelas, listeriosis. Routes documented in cattle: PO, IV, IM, SC. ExoticRx tracks Ampicillin dosing for cattle from primary veterinary literature; sign in to view the full rule set. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Polyflex
Dose rules — sign in to view
Cited dose rules for Ampicillin in cattle are available with a free ExoticRx account. Each row carries the route, dose range, frequency, indication, evidence level, and primary-source citation.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins. Broader spectrum than penicillin G with gram-negative coverage.
Side effects & warnings
CONTRAINDICATED in rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters (fatal dysbiosis). May cause GI upset. Cross-reactivity with other beta-lactams. IM injection may be painful.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for cattle may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Why a species-specific page? Ampicillin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in cattle — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from primary literature; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.