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Amoxycillin injectable: a review of its antibacterial spectrum, pharmacokinetics and therapeutic use
Abstract:
Amoxycillin, an acid stable semisynthetic penicillin shown to be effective against a wide range of infections when given orally, is now available for intramuscular and intravenous injection. Amoxycillin has an antibacterial spectrum and level of activity essentially the same as for ampicillin. Amoxycillin has been shown to have more rapid and complete bactericidal action than ampicillin against E. coli in vitro and in animal models of infection, but the clinical importance of this difference has not yet been determined. Amoxycillin is present in therapeutic amounts in the cerebrospinal fluid of meningitis patients given the drug intravenously and parenteral amoxycillin has been successfully used in the treatment of meningitis, and in urinary tract infections, septicaemia, upper and lower respiratory tract infections and a variety of other infections caused by Gram-negative and Gram-positive aerobic bacteria. However, the extent of experience is limited compared with ampicillin, and thus further studies are needed to more clearly delineate its relative therapeutic role. Parenteral amoxycillin is generally well tolerated. Pain at the site of intramuscular injection occurs in about one-third of patients, but can be minimised by the use of lignocaine or procaine hydrochloride.
Insights
Parenteral amoxycillin offers broad-spectrum antibacterial activity for various infections, including meningitis. While generally well-tolerated, intramuscular injections may cause local pain, manageable with anesthetics.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Amoxycillin, an oral penicillin antibiotic, is now available for parenteral administration (intramuscular and intravenous).
- It exhibits an antibacterial spectrum and activity comparable to ampicillin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of parenteral amoxycillin in treating various bacterial infections.
- To compare the bactericidal action of amoxycillin with ampicillin.
Main Methods:
- Clinical use of intramuscular and intravenous amoxycillin for diverse infections.
- In vitro and animal model studies comparing amoxycillin and ampicillin against E. coli.
- Assessment of amoxycillin levels in cerebrospinal fluid of meningitis patients.
Main Results:
- Parenteral amoxycillin demonstrated therapeutic concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid.
- Successful treatment outcomes were observed in meningitis, urinary tract infections, septicaemia, and respiratory tract infections.
- Amoxycillin showed more rapid bactericidal action against E. coli in vitro and in animal models compared to ampicillin.
Conclusions:
- Parenteral amoxycillin is a viable treatment option for a range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive aerobic bacterial infections.
- Further studies are required to fully establish its therapeutic role relative to ampicillin.
- The drug is generally well-tolerated, with manageable pain at intramuscular injection sites.