Amoxycillin: A review of its antibacterial and pharmacokinietic properties and therapeutic use
Abstract:
Amoxycillin2 is an acid stable semisynthetic penicillin closely related to ampicillin. Unlike pivampicillin and hetacillin, amoxycillin is not converted to ampicillin in the body. The antibacterial spectrum and level of activity of amoxycillin is essentially the same as for ampicillin, and there is complete cross-resistance between the two drugs. After oral administration, amoxycillin is better absorbed than ampicillin. Mean peak serum levels of amoxycillin are generally twice those of ampicillin after an equal dose. The better absorption and penetration into certain body tissues and fluids of amoxycillin and its greater activity against experimental infections in mice, suggest that it might be preferred to ampicillin in the treatment of some infections, but any clear superiority over ampicillin in clinical practice has yet to be demonstrated. However, these properties have enabled amoxycillin to be given at half the dose of ampicillin without loss of therapeutic efficacy, and the princpal side-effects of skin rashes and diarrhoea have tended to be less frequent with amoxycillin than with ampicillin. Other side-effects are essentially similar in nature to those reported with ampicillin.
Insights
Amoxicillin offers better absorption and potentially fewer side effects like diarrhea than ampicillin. While its clinical superiority is unproven, amoxicillin may be preferred for certain infections due to improved efficacy and dosing.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Amoxicillin is a semisynthetic penicillin antibiotic, closely related to ampicillin.
- Unlike prodrugs like pivampicillin, amoxicillin is not converted to ampicillin in vivo.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of amoxicillin and ampicillin.
- To evaluate the potential clinical advantages of amoxicillin over ampicillin.
Main Methods:
- Pharmacokinetic analysis of oral absorption and serum level determination.
- Comparative assessment of antibacterial spectrum and activity.
- Review of clinical efficacy and side effect profiles.
Main Results:
- Amoxicillin demonstrates superior oral absorption compared to ampicillin, achieving approximately double the peak serum levels.
- Both antibiotics share similar antibacterial spectra and cross-resistance.
- Amoxicillin showed greater efficacy in experimental murine infections and potentially reduced incidence of rash and diarrhea.
Conclusions:
- Amoxicillin's enhanced absorption and penetration may offer advantages over ampicillin in treating certain infections.
- Clinical superiority of amoxicillin over ampicillin requires further demonstration.
- Amoxicillin allows for reduced dosing and potentially fewer side effects compared to ampicillin.
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